Orthodontic Retention
Maintain Your Radiant Smile Post-Braces
Congratulations on achieving that stunning, straight smile! But remember, the journey doesn’t end when the braces come off. To ensure your teeth stay in their new position, a retainer is essential. It helps stabilize your teeth as the surrounding tissues adapt to their new alignment.
Kinds of Retainers
- 1. Removable Retainers: These can be taken out during meals and oral care routines. They typically come in two styles:
- Traditional: Features a metal wire across the front teeth linked to an acrylic arch in the mouth’s roof. It can be adjusted to refine tooth alignment.
- Aligner-style (Essix) Retainers: These resemble clear aligners and are less conspicuous than wire retainers. They can cover all your teeth or just specific ones based on a mold of your newly straightened teeth.
- 2. Fixed Retainers: These are wires bonded to the back of your teeth, usually maintained for at least a year post-braces but often kept lifelong.
Advantages and Drawbacks
Removable: Offers flexibility but can be misplaced. Always store in its case when not in use.
Fixed: Ideal for those who prefer not to monitor wear time. However, they demand extra care during dental hygiene, especially when flossing. Floss threaders might be required to clean around them.
