I’ve had my braces removed and my teeth are straight, why do I need a retainer?
It is pretty common for orthodontic patients to wonder why they have to wear a retainer after their treatment so our team at Redbank Plains Dental want to help you understand why a retainer may be necessary for you.
To give you a full understanding of why you may need one, we’ve answered a few other questions about retainers as well.
WHAT IS A RETAINER?
Depending on your unique correction needs, your retainer could be one of a few different types. You may need one or more than one of the following retainer devices:
- Removable clear plastic retainer – these are clear removable trays that are specially designed and moulded to fit your teeth.
- Removable retainer with a wire – in more complex cases, this retainer may be necessary to prevent shift.
- Bonded retainers – these retainers are fixed to the teeth on the inside so they can’t be lost but cleaning can be a bit more difficult. For some patients, a fixed retainer may be necessary for many years.
Retainers are really very common however no two retainers are identical. Depending on your treatment, you may not even need a retainer but most patients have to wear a retainer for a little while after their treatment.
SO, WHY DO I NEED A RETAINER?
Retainers are a sort of place-keeper. After orthodontic treatment, your teeth may look straight but because your teeth have been sitting in the other position for quite some time, they may attempt to shift back into their former places.
Factors such as wisdom teeth development and even just accidents can also play a part in the alignment of your smile so it is important that you make sure you attend regular check-ups every six months to ensure your smile remains straight and fully functional.
Since the majority of our patients are only young, it is also important to remember that as we grow up our teeth may do some shifting as well.
HOW WILL I KNOW HOW TO WEAR MY RETAINER?
It is only natural to be worried about messing up your new aligned smile after such a time consuming treatment but not to worry. Dr Lakh and Dr Quinn are able to provide dental services for the entire region and are certified graduates in orthodontics. After removing your current braces, they will ensure you have all the information you need to ensure your smile stay in line.
CAN I USE A RETAINER INSTEAD OF BRACES?
In some cases, a retainer could be all you need to correct your smile but this is highly dependent on the severity of you case.
ARE THERE OTHER TREATMENTS THAT MAY USE A RETAINER?
Retainers can also be used for other treatments as well. A retainer may be able to help you if you have one of the following conditions:
- Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
- Bruxism
These conditions can be very distressing for the patient. Follow the links above to find out more.
DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS?
Here at Redbank Plains Dental, we want to make sure you have all the information you need prior to your treatment.
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