Getting rid of the braces and that characteristic look is every person’s dream who has to wear them daily. It is not just unsightly but also a painful process that one has to go through for teeth straightening. You might be looking forward to the day when you’ll get rid of metal wires forever; however, even after months of pain, the treatment is not yet over. After braces, your journey with retainers starts.
You might think that it is unnecessary. However, retainers are needed for maintaining what you have worked so hard for. Keep on reading this blog to better understand why retainers after braces are a requirement.
What Are Retainers?
Dental retainers are custom-made devices for keeping the teeth in their position. But what does a retainer do? They are orthodontic treatment instruments used after the teeth have been through placement correction.
Retainers are great at keeping the teeth in their place; wearing them may seem irritating but it is better than getting metal braces and brackets all over your teeth again.
Types of Retainers
There are 3 kinds of retainers used after traditional braces treatment:
1. Bonded Retainer
These are fixed on the teeth after removing braces, in those people who need to wear them daily all the time instead of intervals. Bonded retainers are affixed on the teeth for some months after braces are taken off for keeping the teeth where they should be.
2. Hawley Retainer
Hawley retainers are removable ones best suited for use after braces. These wired retainers are easily taken off at will, so the users can remove them during eating and clean them for maintaining oral hygiene.
3. Clear Plastic Retainers
We understand if you are reluctant to get that distinct look again. Fortunately, we have clear or transparent retainers for use after braces with advancing times. They are custom made as per tooth size, which fits perfectly. They are extremely popular amongst patients because of their invisible look.
How Long Is A Retainer Supposed To Be Worn?
Since bonded retainers are irremovable, they stay on the entire time all day long and nights until the dentist takes them off. The period for removable retainers depends on the treatment type and your dentist.
Retainers are recommended every time for a period of at least 9 months after braces are taken off. Then you can reduce the time slowly so that the results remain appropriate. However, you can’t not wear a retainer after braces. You can decrease the time span from all day to just at night after a few months.
What Happens If You Don’t Wear Retainers After Braces?
Human teeth move during the entire lifetime. Once you change their position with braces, they will most likely move back in their original form. Therefore, to stop that, dentists usually go for retainers as a follow-up after braces.
Final Takeaway
For lasting results, retainers after braces are essential. The aftercare decides the timespan for follow-up treatment. Some may advise using it for 5 to 6 hours a day; some may ask you to wear it during the night or continuously for a few months. It depends from person to person.
We hope this blog has answered all your queries. Still, if you are concerned about the commitment to retainers, contact the best dentist in Baytown, Texas at Dynamic Dental Solutions; call 281 837 9090 for more details.