After an average of about two years with braces, most patients are excited to get them removed and really enjoy the benefits. Once you’ve completed orthodontic care with braces, you’ll never need them again! As enjoyable as that is, though, it’s not the whole story. There is one orthodontic appliance you will need.
A retainer is a simple orthodontic device that ensures you always have the full benefit of your time with braces. It does that by making sure the teeth stay in the healthy, treated position and don’t migrate back to where they were over time. Using an orthodontic retainer after braces is essential to maintaining straight, healthy teeth.
Retainers After Braces: What You Should Know
“Do I need a retainer?”
This is one of the most common questions we get at Beauchamp Orthodontics from patients of all ages who are nearly done with their orthodontic treatment. If you don’t know precisely what retainers do, then this could be a mysterious part of post-braces care. Luckily, it’s easy to understand once you know more about it.
All throughout a person’s life, their teeth have the potential to move. Those with untreated orthodontic issues see the most movement over time. Untreated tooth gaps and tooth misalignment can get worse, even creating situations where parts of the affected teeth are very difficult to keep clean. That may contribute to tooth decay.
No matter if you use metal braces or clear braces, they work the same way. The wires put mild pressure on the teeth, gently moving them to a corrected position. Clear plastic aligners are removable rather than attached to teeth, but still produce the same effect over time. Fully aligned teeth are healthier and easier to care for.
Of course, our patients have plenty of years ahead of them – especially the teens and young adults who come to us for braces in Port Orange most often. During all that time, you can bet teeth have a tendency to shift. A combination of natural forces, including plain ol’ ordinary gravity, is responsible for this change.
Luckily, you don’t have to worry about losing the benefits of your orthodontic care.
All you need to do is use a retainer.
Used correctly, an orthodontic retainer will:
- Maintain tooth alignment so bones, ligaments, and gums have time to adjust around the teeth.
- Prevent teeth from drifting due to ordinary forces they absorb from talking, chewing, and aging.
- Ensure you’ll never need braces or aligners again, though you may need orthodontic check-ups.
Port Orange Chooses Removable Orthodontic Retainers
There are two kinds of orthodontic retainer: Removable retainers and fixed (or bonded) retainers.
- Bonded Retainers: These “fixed” retainers are intended to stay in the mouth for many years between replacements. They are anchored in place using a thin wire that sits along the back of the front teeth. Although this makes them very consistent, patients often complain that they can be difficult to clean, potentially resulting in bad breath or other complications.
- Removable Retainers: Removable retainers come in a few forms and are sometimes called Hawley retainers. These days, clear plastic removable retainers are the most common. You can easily remove them, making them a snap to clean by rinsing, brushing, wiping, or submerging them in an appropriate cleaner for a while.
Although nearly 100% of patients use retainers after braces, it’s unusual to need them full time for longer than a few months. Most patients wear their retainers on a full-time basis, anywhere from three to six months. Once you get the go-ahead from your favorite Port Orange orthodontist, you can switch to wearing them overnight.
Over the years, our patients have been enthusiastic about removable retainers that leave them in control. You will barely even notice you’re wearing them, and they will do their job all night long so you can rest easy. But if you skip them, your teeth could still move – so be sure you make them part of your oral care routine.
Beauchamp Orthodontics Offers Customized Orthodontic Treatment Plans You’ll Love
Are you looking forward to having braces removed soon? It’s a faster and simpler process than getting them put on. Once you’re done with braces for good, caring for your teeth and gums is simple! Use a retainer as directed and follow sound dental hygiene practices: Brushing, flossing, and (optionally) using a fluoridated mouthwash.
On the other hand, if you’re at the beginning of your orthodontic care journey, there’s no need to worry! As a board-certified Port Orange orthodontist, Dr. Beauchamp is glad to welcome you to a friendly, family-centered practice that meets your needs. It all begins with a customized orthodontic treatment plan just for you.
That personalized approach maximizes your long-term results!
Schedule your consultation today to get started. We look forward to meeting you soon!
