So, you finally got your braces off. Congratulations! All the hard work and patience have finally paid off. But treatment is not over. Retention is one of the most important phases of orthodontic treatment- and for good reason. In order to keep your teeth and bite straight and aligned, retainers are used. At Niagara Peninsula Orthodontics, all of our treatment plans include retainers. No matter what type of braces you’ve had, retainers are essential. Learn why retainers are important, and what options there are on the market.
Why Wear Retainers
- They Keep Teeth Straight- After the braces are removed, the bone and soft tissues of the teeth and gums need to adapt to the teeth positioning the braces made. The retainers help stabilize the teeth in their new arrangement, which ensures that your teeth won’t shift.
- Helps Avoid Treatment Reversal- If you don’t wear retainers, your teeth will shift again, which will make them crooked again. By wearing a retainer, you won’t have to go back and spend more money on orthodontic treatment.
- Keeps Bite Aligned- While braces just straighten teeth, they also align your bite. If you don’t wear your retainer, your bite will go back into its original positioning (this can include going back to an overbite, underbite, crossbite, etc).
- Helps Give Space for Wisdom Teeth (if necessary)- If you’re a teen or young adult, and have braces, it will make it easier for your wisdom teeth to grow in. By using the retainers as instructed, your mouth will have room to maintain space for the wisdom teeth.
- Keep Teeth Healthy & Clean- Having crooked teeth can make it harder to brush and floss. If you can’t reach certain areas of your teeth and gums, you’ll be more prone to cavities, tooth decay, and enamel loss, which can cause serious health effects. Because retainers keep your teeth and bite straight, you’ll have a better chance of preventing health complications in the future.
Types of Retainers
Depending on what your orthodontist recommends, there are 3 types of retainers to choose from. These can include:
- Clear Retainers- Somewhat like Invisalign, clear retainers are aligners that help keep the teeth and bite in place. While prone to wear and tear (and in need of replacing every couple of months), they are a good option for those who clench or grind their teeth at night like a nightguard.
- Hawley Retainers- This is the most common and durable retainer. It is made from acrylic and metal and is tongue-shaped to fit inside the mouth. The wire covers the outside of your teeth, helping to keep them in place.
- Bonded Retainers- Are boned at the back of the teeth and cannot be removed. Is used when the orthodontist is concerned that the teeth will try to move back into their original position after the braces are taken off.
Get Orthodontic Care Today!
If you, or someone you know, is in need of orthodontic care, contact Niagara Peninsula Orthodontics today! We provide comprehensive, customized treatment for everyone of all ages. We treat a variety of orthodontic problems and are willing to work with you from beginning to end. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our offices. Dr. Pershad and the staff are excited to work with you!