Generally, a retainer is the last vital stage of orthodontic treatment. The appliance, made from metal and plastic, is personalized for each patient to fit perfectly into the wearer’s mouth. After braces or other orthodontic devices have corrected the alignment of the teeth, the retainer functions to stop them from shifting back to their previous positions. If you are due to have your braces removed, it would be helpful to learn about this device, especially the important role it serves in orthodontic treatment.
Retainers can be permanent or removable. Removable retainers can be taken out when eating and have to be worn for at least a year after the braces are taken off. The permanent or fixed retainers are bonded almost permanently to the teeth and can only be taken off by an orthodontist. This type usually has to be worn for several years.
Retainers serve the role of aligning the gum and bone tissues with the corrected dentition achieved with braces. This process can take much longer to finish than the process of aligning the bite itself. In some cases, it could take several months or years for the gum and bone tissues to fully stabilize in their current position.
With a corrected bite, your teeth can shift gradually every day. Although the teeth’s ability to move is the reason orthodontic treatment works, it can also reverse the corrections made by the orthodontic appliance. The orthodontist will determine precisely when and how long you would need retainers, but in most situations, you would need to wear them constantly between meals and while sleeping for a minimum of one month after teeth alignment is complete. The only way to ensure your smile stays aligned and stable is by faithfully wearing retainers.
Aside from keeping the teeth straight, wearing a retainer has other unique benefits. An aligned bite makes your teeth fully functional for speech and eating. Also, diabetic patients can prevent oral issues by wearing a retainer to keep their teeth straight. Crooked or misaligned teeth tend to develop cavities and decay.
For most parents, the hardest part of orthodontic treatment is making sure that their child uses the retainers correctly and does not lose them in school or while playing. You can help them remember the appliance by storing it in a bright case when they are leaving for school. Also, storing the case in the same place can help make it a routine.
Your oral hygiene regimen must include maintaining retainers. When you are not wearing removable retainers, ensure you store them in a vinegar and water solution or denture cleaner. The retainers must be stored in liquid because the plastic can crack if it becomes dry. If you have a removable device, you need to keep up with your routine dental appointments to prevent plaque or decay from building around the retainer.
If you have braces or require orthodontic treatment, contact a dentist for a consultation. Remember, retainers are the only way to keep your teeth aligned, which means they are necessary after orthodontic correction.
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