Retainers
Left alone, your teeth will try to move even after completing orthodontic treatment. Retainers are the best way to protect your new, healthy smile by ensuring that your teeth stay in their desired position.
What Are Retainers?
An orthodontic retainer, also just called a retainer, is an appliance that is used after you’ve had your braces taken off. Without a retainer, you’ll experience an orthodontic relapse. Your teeth have just settled into their new position and are prone to moving and shifting around in the months following the removal of your braces.
An orthodontic retainer helps to stabilize your bite after braces are removed. The tissue and bone need the time to adjust to their new position and a retainer helps to keep them in this finished position. Retainers also prevent what is called “treatment reversal”, which is when your teeth begin to move back to their original, misaligned state. Then everything you did would be undone, and you’d need to do it all over again!
Get The Best Orthodontic Retainers In Fort Worth Today
Ahava Orthodontics is always welcoming new patients to give them great smiles. Whether it’s for your child or for you, we’re ready to give you the best experience in Fort Worth with a rewarding smile.
Getting started is easy. Simply contact our office to get your new patient exam scheduled and we’ll have you on the path to a great smile in no time!
Retainers: How It Works
Everyone’s specific situation after their braces are removed will be different. Not only are their different time frames for wearing the retainer, there are also different types of retainers for you to choose from. Dr. Barron includes this in your comprehensive treatment plan, and always recommends the best course of action that is tailored to each individual patient.
Once your braces are removed, the team at Ahava Orthodontics will go over which type of retainer is best for you. Then, a retainer will be made that fits the positioning of your teeth perfectly to ensure that they’ll stay in this finished position. The majority of people who complete treatment will need to wear their retainer quite regularly for at least 6-12 months. The amount of time you need to wear it, when you need to wear it, and length of time you’ll need the retainer is dependent on the individual patient.
Types of Retainers
There are basically two types of retainers: removable retainers and permanent retainers. Dr. Barron will go over which one will be best for your needs so that you can make the right decision. Regardless of the type, it is vital to get the best retainer that fits you.
The removable retainer is the most common and traditional one. When it comes to these, there are two types: the Hawley retainer and clear plastic retainers. The Hawley retainer is made of plastic or acrylic with a metal wire to provide the definition and shape. These retainers, if maintained well, can last up to 20 years. The clear plastic retainers are a good option for people who want to be more discreet.
Permanent retainers function by being bonded to your teeth, kind of like how braces are bonded to your teeth. It could take some time getting used to having a permanent retainer, but you won’t have to worry about when you need to wear it.