Once orthodontic treatment is over, most patients are very excited to see the results and to have their braces 89117 removed, but they are less enthusiastic about having to wear their retainers. While treatment with braces helps to move your teeth into the right positions, retainers are just as important in helping keep the teeth in place so that your periodontal ligaments and bone have time to set and make your results permanent. The worst thing that could happen is that your teeth may start to drift from where they should be and after wearing braces for so long, your results will not be a great as they should be.
During the first six months to a year after braces are removed, a retainer should be worn all day every day. There are three main kinds of retainers: A clear plastic retainer, bonded retainers, and wire retainers. Plastic and wire retainers are the most common options. The plastic retainer is worn at least two years after braces are removed, but only at night. After two years or when the plastic retainer wears out, you may need to wear a wire retainer. Bonded retainers are permanently bonded to the backside of teeth, usually the bottom ones, and are kept for several years. Wire retainers are used after plastic or bonded retainers and are worn for years after treatment with braces. After wearing braces, even years after they are removed, it is recommended that you wear your retainers a few nights every week to ensure that your teeth do not drift out of place over the years.
When wearing your retainers all day, be sure to rinse them out when they are taken off to eat and brush your teeth. If necessary, brush wire retainers carefully with toothpaste and warm water. Plastic retainers may be scratched if cleaned with a brush. When wearing your retainer only at night, make sure to at least rinse them before putting them in at night and after taking them out again in the mornings to prevent bacteria buildup. If brushing your retainers becomes tedious, use a soak for retainers or dentures to keep them clean.
At first, wearing retainers can be tiresome, but eventually you will only need to wear them at night, which is more convenient for most people. Over time, you will get used to the routine of wearing and cleaning them regularly. Making an effort to do this will pay off in the long run and your results will be well worth it. If your retainer breaks, becomes damaged, or gets lost, call our dental office Las Vegas immediately so that a new one can be made. The last thing you want is to put it off and let your teeth drift in the process of having a retainer replaced.
If you wore braces in the past and have an old forgotten retainer laying around somewhere which doesn't fit quite right anymore, schedule an appointment to see if you need a new adjustable one to move your teeth back into place. Feel free to give us a call at 702.660.2256 or schedule a visit so that we can answer your questions about retainers.
