You have marked the date, and the day has arrived. Your orthodontic treatment is finally over; no more metal braces and no more irritation. Now, you can smile wide with your newly aligned teeth. However, aligning your teeth using braces is only half of the battle. The other half is maintaining those positions for which you had to undergo such an ordeal. Therefore, to keep your smile, an orthodontist will recommend using retainers. If you haven’t heard about them and would like to know more, you are at the right place. This article will discuss retainers and everything you need to know about them.
What are retainers?
Retainers are custom-made for your teeth, so no two retainers are the same. There are two kinds of retainers:
Removable: These are wearable plastic molds, shaped according to your teeth and their new alignment. You can remove these daily during your meals or when brushing. However, you need to wear them diligently during the day for the best result. Wearing them all day? Seems like a drag, doesn’t it? Well, you need to get accustomed to wearing them for your own good. Plus, you don’t need to fret about retainers soiling your appearance because most retainers are transparent.
Fixed: These cannot be removed and are suitable for children. These are made up of thin, custom-made wire that sits behind the rows of teeth.
How Do Retainers Help?
Makes Sure That Your Treatment Is Effective:
The position of newly aligned teeth is on the brim or relapse. This is because once the braces are removed, the soft tissue and the bone around the teeth take time to follow suit and firmly anchor the tooth in its new position. Therefore, retainers help to accelerate alignment and stabilize your bite. Hence, after wearing retainers for a couple of months (your orthodontist determines the actual duration), the chance of relapse is minimal. Furthermore, the majority of individuals get their retainers during their teens, and that’s the time when wisdom tooth claims their throne. Hence, retainers are necessary to prevent overcrowding because they can hold teeth in their place, giving wisdom teeth enough room to sprout without impacting the neighboring teeth.
Helps Overcome Tongue Thrust:
Some children have a condition that can potentially injure their tongue, known as tongue thrust. Their tongue slides through the teeth when they speak. However, some retainers can help because their unique design restricts the tongue from moving forward when the child speaks.
Prevents Damage From Bruxism:
Bruxism or teeth grinding exacts a heavy toll on your teeth, eroding their edges and weakening them. However, retainers can help prevent the jaw from closing entirely at night, so you don’t grind your teeth in your sleep.
Retainers are a great way to keep the alignment of your teeth, and in some cases, your orthodontist may recommend retainers over braces to shift one or two teeth. Excited to obtain your perfect smile? Porter Smiles can help you out. Call us at 281-519-7200 to learn more about our services.