An important turning point in many people’s lives is getting braces. It’s a journey that often takes years and includes modifications, dental visits, and occasionally suffering. Patients often feel overjoyed to see their straightened faces when the braces are removed.
However, wearing retainers is an essential part of post-braces care. Is it necessary to keep retainers after braces for the rest of your life? is a common question.
Retainers are orthodontic devices used to keep your teeth aligned after braces are removed. Even if dental braces near you have straightened the teeth, the bones and gums around them are constantly adjusting to their new positions. Retainers assist in retaining the teeth in the correct positions while the tissues settle.
Post-Braces Retainer
Following the removal of your braces, your orthodontist will usually recommend two phases of retainer wear:
Full-Time Wear
Your retainer must be worn 24/7 initially. The first few months to a year are important for anchoring your teeth in their new positions. Your orthodontist will see you for additional check-ups during this period.
Part-Time Wear
After the full-time phase, you will only wear your retainer at night. This phase may last for a long time and marks the start of the “forever” retention phase.
The “Forever” Retention Phase
Do you have to wear retainers forever after receiving dental braces in West Edmonton? The answer is slightly more complex. The “forever” retention phase does not always require you to wear your retainers every night for the rest of your life. However, dentists usually advise patients to wear their retainer permanently.
Here’s what you should know:
Nighttime Wear
Orthodontics experts recommend that their patients wear braces at night for an extended period. This may be necessary to keep your teeth in place for a few years or the rest of your life. You can gradually lower your level of nighttime wear based on your orthodontist’s recommendations and your specific situation.
Periodic Check-Ups
Even after you’ve stopped using full-time retainers, it’s essential to visit your dentist in West Edmonton regularly. They can check the stability of your teeth and make any necessary modifications to your retainer wear.
Individual Factors
The time frame needed to wear a retainer varies from person to person. The duration of time you must wear retainers is determined by factors such as heredity, age, and the severity of the initial misalignment.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums when wearing retainers. To avoid problems, keep your retainer clean and follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
While the intensity of wear may decrease over time, it is best to maintain using retainers regularly, even if only at night. Teeth can move throughout life due to natural factors such as aging and changes in the oral cavity. Wearing retainers regularly can help prevent significant relapse and keep your smile perfectly aligned.
The Reason for Long-Term Retainer Wear
You may be questioning why retainers are required for such a long time or whether you can ever get rid of them. The simplest explanation is that teeth naturally shift, and the tissues that support them need time to stabilize in their new places. The likelihood of relapse lessens over time, although it never completely disappears. Regular use of retainers, even at a reduced frequency, aids in the long-term maintenance of your straightened smile.
Experience a Healthier, Straighter Smile with Our Reliable Orthodontic Care!
Lessard Dental takes pleasure in offering reliable orthodontic care to help you achieve a healthier, straighter smile. Our team of skilled dentists near you cares about your oral health. With our personalized treatment options, you can look forward to a journey that not only makes your smile better but also makes you more confident about your self-worth. You can count on us to give you the most effective orthodontic care possible.