The day you get your braces off is a huge event. You are excited and cannot wait to show off your new smile to friends and family. However, your orthodontic treatment is not quite over yet, and you realize you will be fixed with a retainer.
Dental retainers are of two types - removable and fixed. Removable retainers can be removed while brushing, flossing, and eating, while fixed retainers cannot be removed. The type of retainer you need will depend on your individual needs and will be decided by your orthodontist. Retainers can be made of metal wires and soft medical-grade plastic, which are virtually invisible.
Ever wondered why your orthodontist at Wilmington Orthodontic Center has prescribed you a retainer?
Braces put pressure on the bone and soft tissues of the jaw to move your teeth into the desired location. Once braces are removed, these tissues need time to adapt to their new positions. Retainers aid in this and stabilize the teeth in their new arrangement. Our teeth have a tendency to shift back into their old position, and a retainer prevents this relapse. Proper retainer use stabilizes the bite and should ideally be worn for 22 hours a day to ensure minimal teeth shifting and proper healing.
Braces are common in teenagers. During this phase, the body goes through several growth changes. This can cause the straightened teeth to shift and leave no space from the proper eruption of wisdom teeth. Regular retainers make sure teeth are stabilized and do not crowd or shift during this growth phase. Moreover, retainers also help correct speech impediments.
Retainers are essential for the success of orthodontic treatments. If you have any more questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out to us. Our team of excellent dental professionals at Wilmington Orthodontic Center will be there to assist you!
