The Importance of Wearing Retainers After Braces

Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment, especially after braces. They help maintain the results achieved by braces and prevent relapse. In this article, we'll discuss the importance of wearing retainers after braces in points.

1 Retainers Keep Teeth in their New Positions

Braces work by gradually shifting teeth into their desired alignment. However, once the braces are removed, the teeth may try to shift back to their original positions. This happens because the bone and soft tissues in the mouth have not yet fully adjusted to the new positioning of the teeth. Retainers are designed to hold teeth in place while these tissues adapt. Without a retainer, teeth may shift and undo all of the progress made by braces.

2 Prevent Relapse

Relapse occurs when teeth shift back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment. This can happen even if a patient wore their retainer as directed after braces were removed. However, wearing a retainer for the recommended period can significantly reduce the risk of relapse. The length of time a patient needs to wear a retainer varies, but typically it is for at least several months or up to a few years.

3 Types of Retainers

There are two main types of retainers - removable and fixed. Removable retainers are made of clear plastic or acrylic and are worn over the teeth. They are easy to clean and can be removed for eating or brushing. Fixed retainers, on the other hand, are bonded to the back of the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient. Fixed retainers require extra attention to oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup and cavities.

4 Proper Care for Retainers

Regardless of the type of retainer, proper care is essential to maintain its effectiveness. Removable retainers should be cleaned regularly with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap. They should not be exposed to heat or hot water, as this can cause them to warp or lose their shape. Fixed retainers require extra care to prevent plaque buildup and cavities. Patients should floss daily with a special threader or floss designed for braces and should avoid sticky or hard foods that can damage the retainer or teeth.

5 Additional Benefits of Wearing Retainers

In addition to preventing relapse, wearing retainers after braces has other benefits. Retainers can help improve speech and jaw alignment. They can also reduce the risk of bruxism, or teeth grinding, which can cause tooth wear and jaw pain. Additionally, retainers can improve overall oral hygiene by making it easier to brush and floss teeth.

6 Regular Follow-up Appointments

After braces are removed, it is important to attend regular follow-up appointments with an orthodontist. These appointments allow the orthodontist to monitor the progress of treatment and make any necessary adjustments to the retainer or treatment plan. Patients should also contact their orthodontist if they experience any problems with their retainer or notice their teeth shifting.

In conclusion, wearing retainers after braces is essential to maintain the results achieved by orthodontic treatment. Retainers keep teeth in their new positions, prevent relapse, and have additional benefits such as improving speech and jaw alignment. Proper care for retainers and regular follow-up appointments with an orthodontist are important to ensure their effectiveness. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, wearing a retainer after braces is a small price to pay for a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.