Are you curious about the dental device known as a retainer? Perhaps you or someone you know has recently undergone orthodontic treatment and been prescribed one. Retainers are an essential part of maintaining a healthy, straight smile after braces or other corrective measures have been taken.
What Are Retainers in Dentistry?
Orthodontic retainers are dental devices that help keep your teeth in their new, corrected positions after orthodontic treatment. They can be either removable or fixed and are custom-made to fit each patient's unique mouth shape. Retainers come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the specific needs of each patient.
Retainers work by applying gentle pressure to hold your teeth in place while surrounding bone tissue hardens around them following orthodontic treatment. This helps ensure that your newly aligned smile will stay put for years to come.
Orthodontic retainers play a crucial role in maintaining good oral health after braces or other corrective measures have been taken. By keeping your newly aligned teeth in their proper position, you can enjoy all the benefits of a straighter smile without worrying about things shifting out of place over time!
How Do Orthodontic Retainers Work?
After orthodontic treatment using braces or clear aligners, orthodontic retainers hold teeth in their new position and keep them from moving back to being misaligned. These appliances are custom-made for each patient and can be removable or fixed. Removable retainers are typically made of plastic and wire components, while fixed retainers consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth.
Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, your dentist will fit you with a retainer to hold your teeth in place until they settle into their new positions permanently. Wearing a retainer allows time for the periodontal ligaments that anchor your teeth to adjust fully and prevent them from shifting back to their original misaligned positions.
It's essential to wear your retainer as directed by your dentist, usuallyfull-time over several months, followed by nightly use indefinitely. Skipping wearing it even for one day can cause significant setbacks in maintaining straightened teeth. So, make sure you keep up with proper dental hygiene practices and attend regular appointments with your orthodontist!
When Do You Need a Retainer?
In summary, orthodontic retainers are an essential part of dental treatment. They help to keep your teeth in the correct position after braces or other orthodontic treatments.
You need to wear your retainer as recommended by your orthodontist, usually for several months or even years after completing treatment. This is to prevent your teeth from shifting back into malocclusion.
Everyone's dental needs and treatment plans differ, so it is best to consult with a qualified orthodontist if you have any concerns about whether you need a retainer. By following proper care and maintenance guidelines for your retainer, you can ensure that it continues working effectively and keeping your smile healthy and beautiful for many years to come!
To learn more, contact Fort Union Family Dental located at 8915 S 700 E Ste 103, Sandy, Utah 84070, or call (801) 562-2147. We look forward to speaking with you about your options!