Orthodontic Retention
Now that your braces are off, your straight, metal-free smile will need a retainer to maintain its alignment. Retainers are crucial as they help stabilize your teeth while the surrounding tissues adapt to the new alignment.
Types of Retainers:
- Traditional Removable Retainers: These feature a metal wire that encircles the front teeth, attached to an acrylic plate that sits on the roof of the mouth. They allow for minor adjustments and continuous alignment of the front teeth.
- Aligner-style Retainers (Essix Retainers): Resembling clear aligners, these retainers cover the entire dental arch or just from canine to canine, providing a more aesthetic choice compared to wire retainers. They are made from a mold of your teeth post-treatment.
- Fixed Retainers: Comprising wires bonded behind the teeth, fixed retainers are sometimes permanent solutions post-orthodontic treatment, especially after wisdom teeth extraction.
Pros and Cons:
- Removable Retainers: Offer the flexibility to be removed during meals and dental hygiene routines but can be easily lost. Always store them in their case when not in use.
- Fixed Retainers: Ideal for those who prefer not to manage removable appliances. They don’t require conscious wearing but need careful cleaning to prevent tartar build-up, often requiring floss threaders for effective flossing between the teeth and retainer.
Using your retainer as directed is essential to preserving your new smile long-term.
