After exhibiting remarkable patience, the long-awaited moment has arrived to have your braces removed. As a dental professional, we understand your anticipation of bidding farewell to your braces or Invisalign.
However, it is of utmost importance to emphasize the significance of wearing a retainer following the completion of your orthodontic treatment. Most people are given this after their structures are taken off.
The Importance of a Retainer
Wearing your retainer as prescribed ensures that your beautiful smile maintains its new position indefinitely. Following the completion of your initial treatment, it is not uncommon for inquiries to arise regarding the duration of retainer wear.
The concise response is that it relies on various factors that need consideration. Your individualized treatment plan and the specific alignment requirements determine the time of retainer wear.
Immediately following the removal of your braces, it will be necessary for you to wear your retainer at all times. Once you have diligently adhered to the prescribed retainer regimen for a minimum of three months, it may be feasible to gradually shift towards wearing it exclusively during nocturnal hours.
The determination of this timeframe depends on an individual basis. While undergoing orthodontics near you, your orthodontist will inform you when it is appropriate to decrease the frequency of wearing your retainer.
Your retention period is of utmost importance, as it ensures the longevity of your dental health. Therefore, you must remain committed to wearing your retainer indefinitely. After a year of diligently wearing your retainer, it is essential to schedule a one-time retainer check to ensure the continued health and alignment of your teeth.
What Happens If You Don’t Wear a Retainer?
The purpose of your retainer is to keep your teeth in their new, correct positions. If you don’t wear your retainer as directed, your teeth may shift back to their original position, undoing your orthodontics in West Edmonton.
While your jaw and gums adjust to your newly aligned teeth, a retainer will keep them there. You should wear your retainer 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the first three months of therapy. Although this time frame may vary based on your specific alignment needs,
It is an essential step toward acquiring a permanent grin. Your teeth shift and alter shape over time due to a phenomenon called mesial drift. Because of this, your teeth can come back after undergoing orthodontic treatment.
What Signs Will You Look For in a Dental Emergency?
Wear and tear is the most evident retainer replacement sign. Broken or worn retainers may lose efficacy. Broken retainers may not fit well, reducing teeth-holding ability. Replace a cracked, chipped, or worn retainer.
If your retainer loosens, get a new one. Using your retainer may impair its shape and flexibility. It cannot properly fix your teeth. Replace a loose retainer and visit your dentist to inspect your teeth. Change your retainer if it worries you. Your retainer shouldn’t hurt your mouth.
You might need a replacement if your retainer pulls or doesn’t fit. If your retainer stinks, replace it. Bacteria in your retainer can create poor breath and taste if not cleaned. It indicates improper retainer cleaning and could compromise your dental health.
The replacement of lost or broken retainers is crucial. Your teeth may shift back in a few days if you stop wearing your retainer. If you lose your retainer, see a dentist near you immediately. If your bite or teeth meet differently, you may need a new retainer.
If your taste has changed, your retainer may no longer work. Upgrade your retainer if it needs to be more clear or stained. If your retainer is turning colour, it may need to be worn or addressed.
Types of Retainers
Removable Retainers
You can take out your retainer whenever you want to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. You can choose among overlay, Hawley, and Vivera retainers here. Removable retainers have a lifespan of two to three years with adequate maintenance.
Permanent Retainers
The wire components of permanent retainers are what get bonded beneath your lower teeth. A dentist in West Edmonton might not typically recommend this style of retainer. Bonded retainers are rarely used but are necessary in several situations.
Come into Lessard Dental
It’s important to take care of your teeth after getting your braces off so that you don’t waste your investment and end up with crooked teeth again. Protect your orthodontic work for the rest of your life by wearing your retainer as advised.
Our A-Listers will fill you in on how to keep your grin sparkling. Contact our wonderful team if you have any concerns about preserving your smile. We’re excited to work with you to ensure your smile lasts a lifetime.