Yes, we know the feeling, but don’t get disappointed yet because it is for your own good. Learn more about orthodontic retainers and how they can help your now perfect teeth stay that way.
If you have or have had dental braces, then like many people, one of the things that you very much look forward to is that day when your dentist finally gets them off. So you come to your dentist’s clinic for your de-bonding appointment and just like that, your teeth are perfect.
But before you can celebrate, you dentist suddenly ruins your perfectly happy moment by saying that you need to put on your retainers now.
What are Orthodontic Retainers?
Simply put, an orthodontic retainer, as its name suggests, is a custom-made appliance that retains your teeth to their new position after the removal of your dental braces. There are different types of retainers, and you can learn more about them in this article.
Why would I need an Orthodontic Retainer?
Having your braces off doesn’t mean that the whole process of tooth movement is done. The forces that moved your teeth into their perfect alignment will take some time to stop.
If you don’t use retainers, then these forces will continue moving your teeth even after the braces are removed, causing them to be misaligned again.
Also, it may take a while for supporting structures (i.e. bone and periodontal ligament) to remember the new position of your teeth and adapt to other changes.
How do Orthodontic Retainers work?
Retainers prevent further tooth movement basically by acting as “brake” which stops the forces cause the movement. They signal the tooth roots to stay in place, which thereby preserves the correct alignment created by your dental braces.
How long do I have to wear an Orthodontic Retainer?
Orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer for at least six months after the removal of your braces. You must wear your retainer exactly as your orthodontist say especially during the first six months. This period is very critical because it is when tooth movement is still active.
Depending on the case, some patients are even required to wear their retainers for life after the critical period. But don’t worry, if you happen to be one of them, you would only need to wear them at night. You can walk around and spend your entire daytime without your retainers.
How do I take care of my Orthodontic Retainer?
Denture cleaners also work. Some retailers can also be cleaned by brushing them using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste – ask your orthodontist if your retainer is suitable for this method.
If you wear your retainer 24/7, be sure to clean it every now and then to prevent bacterial buildup.
Wearing your retainers is a must, especially if you wouldn’t want your teeth to go back to their pre-treatment state.
Always follow your Orthodontics recommendations to make sure that all the time and resources you’ve spent on your orthodontic treatment will all be worth it.