Here’s the real reason your dentist wants you to wear your brace retainers – and it’s more important than you might think.
The day has finally arrived – your braces are off, you’re ready to flaunt your smile and nothing can stop you showing off your perfectly straightened teeth. After having orthodontic treatment, it can be tempting to think that your teeth won’t go back to how they were, or that they’ll be straight forever. In fact, even after having orthodontic treatment, your teeth are still vulnerable to moving, which is why you may have a retainer to wear post-treatment.
Why wear a retainer after braces?
Wearing a retainer after braces helps your newly straightened teeth stay in the desired position. It does this by holding straightened teeth in place while the surrounding bone and gums adjust to their new position.
The different kinds of brace retainers
For some people, brace retainers are a removable device that fits behind or over the teeth. They are commonly made from a plastic material, clear metal, or a combination of the two. Many people need to wear them at night to help keep their teeth straight, while some kinds of clear retainers are used during the day too. Removable retainers are made from the dentist taking a mould of your teeth straight after your braces are removed, so that your teeth stay in that same position.
For others, brace retainers can take the form of a wire that is bonded to the back of the teeth and is non-removable. These kinds of brace retainers are also known as lingual retainers. Lingual retainers are usually designed to stay on for life, though usually last between three and 10 years before they need replacing. These are often used when you have stubborn teeth that want to migrate back to where they came from.
Which brace retainers are right for me?
Luckily, you don’t have to choose your own brace retainers. This is normally a decision made by your dentist or orthodontist, who will pick the right ones for your treatment plan. On occasions, they may choose to use a combination of brace retainers.
Wearing a retainer after braces helps keep your teeth straight
For many people, wearing brace retainers can be a minor inconvenience. But this is a small price to pay to not undo all your hard work and dedication throughout your orthodontic treatment. Having straighter teeth doesn’t just increase your confidence, it can also improve your overall health by reducing infection risk and helping you chew properly. By being conscientious and wearing your brace retainers as planned, you can help prevent your teeth returning to how they were at the start of treatment, and improve your overall health, too.
If you are unsure about any aspect of teeth straightening treatment, including brace retainers, the best thing to do is talk to the people who can help. Here at Dentalia, we’ve been working with patients just like you to achieve the smile of their dreams in a convenient and affordable way. To book a consultation with a dentist at our Basingstoke practice, please call: 01256 353033 and we’ll be happy to help.
