Wondering about the importance of orthodontic retainers? Read on to learn about how these retainers help protect your alignment after teeth-straightening treatment. If a person has gone through orthodontic treatment using braces or aligners then they may be wondering what happens after that treatment is over.
A person is typically advised to wear an orthodontic retainer after their treatment of braces or aligners is over. Knowing what orthodontic retainers do, why they’re needed and how they can help a person is important.
Although orthodontic treatment may appear to end after the braces are removed or the aligners are taken out, the treatment process isn’t actually quite over yet. An orthodontic retainer is typically custom-created personally for the patient’s mouth in order to ensure that the teeth stay in straight shape from there on out.
While most orthodontists do not require that their patients wear their orthodontic retainers all of the time, it is still great to wear it as much as possible in order to maintain the straight teeth that one had worked so hard for. The maintenance of orthodontic retainers is relatively easy.
The structure of the teeth is important to maintain because the structure helps to keep the teeth straight and strong after braces or aligners are removed. An orthodontic retainer will give someone the structure that they need when adjusting to their straight teeth being bare.
The structure can be provided through an orthodontic retainer because it holds the teeth in place when they are not being used. The retainer doesn’t allow for the teeth to shift over time, but rather it keeps them held in their spots in order to maintain their straightness.
While orthodontic retainers are primarily used in order to maintain straightness and shape, they are also beneficial when it comes to protecting the teeth. When the teeth are done with orthodontic treatment, they are especially sensitive and prone to damage. Having a retainer in can provide extra protection behind the teeth so that they are fully supported and less likely to be damaged.
Orthodontic retainers aren’t the most comfortable thing in the world but they can be really beneficial to people who want to maintain their straight teeth. The teeth often shift over time, even after braces or aligners are worn, so having a retainer in at times can help reduce any major shifts in the teeth.
Here are answers to some of the questions you might have about orthodontic retainers:
An orthodontic retainer is a device worn after braces are removed to keep teeth from moving back into their original position.
Your orthodontist will determine the length of time you will need to wear your retainer. However, it is typically recommended that you wear your retainer for at least six months to one year after removing your braces.
No, you should not eat with your retainer as it can cause tooth decay or staining. Additionally, food can get stuck in the retainer and be challenging to remove.
You should brush your retainer with toothpaste and water at least once daily. Additionally, you can soak your retainer in a denture cleaning solution to help remove any build-up.
If your retainer does not seem to fit well, you should contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. They may need to adjust the fit of your retainer or give you a new one altogether.
If you lose your retainer, you should contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. They may be able to give you a new one or advise you on what to do next. Additionally, you can try using a retainer-tracking app to help you locate it.
If you have questions about orthodontic retainers, contact our orthodontic office today. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns that you might have regarding the use of retainers for orthodontic purposes. Give us a call to schedule an orthodontic consultation appointment so we can go over your treatment options.
Request an appointment here: https://paramountdentalspecialty.com or call Paramount Dental Care & Specialty at (562) 450-1261 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics in Long Beach, CA.
When it comes to achieving a beautiful and confident smile, the expertise of an implant dentist is essential. Smile makeovers are a comprehensive dental procedure involving restoring and improving a patient's teeth and gums. With the latest advancements in dentistry, patients can achieve their dream smiles with the help of a dentist who specializes in…
Implant dentists provide a teeth replacement option that closely resembles natural teeth. Whether a patient is missing one, many, or all of their teeth, dental implants look and function similarly to natural teeth with the added benefit of replacing tooth roots and stimulating the jawbone. This jawbone stimulation is a benefit other teeth replacement options…
Using take-home teeth whitening trays is a convenient way to have a brighter smile. You can start this treatment at the dental clinic. Then, you can continue it at home or use the treatment for touch-ups. The effectiveness of take-home teeth whitening is different than the in-office version. If you want to learn about the…
If you have missing teeth or are planning to get dentures, you might be wondering who to consult - an implant dentist or a general dentist? While both have a dental degree, the two are different in their specialties, expertise, and training. The right choice depends on your individual needs.Implant dentists specialize in providing dental…