While appropriate orthodontic braces shift teeth into the correct position, there is still a risk of teeth reversion. That’s why a retainer is essential for maintaining the outcomes after treatment. Your provider may recommend retainers Carmichael to prevent a relapse. Explore the purpose of the appliance and its long-term benefit for your teeth.
What causes a relapse after teeth straightening?
Conventional braces can take months to shift teeth to their original location. After the treatment, your orthodontist removes the brackets and wires holding teeth together. That means there is no force holding the teeth in position.
Biting or chewing food can affect connective tissue adjacent to the teeth. The tissues known as periodontal fibers need time to adjust to the alveolar bone’s new position. Otherwise, they cannot resist the pressure from chewing or biting.
Why do you need retainers after orthodontic treatment?
A retainer is a dental appliance tailored to fit over your teeth after tooth straightening. As the name suggests, a retainer holds the teeth and surrounding tissue from moving. It prevents the modification of periodontal soft tissue, which needs time to adhere to the surrounding bone.
Retainers keep the teeth in their current location to stop new cases of malocclusions. The teeth can move out of position and cause alignment issues. Misaligned teeth could cause bite problems, tooth decay, and discomfort when chewing food.
Types of orthodontic retainers
Retainers are typically made from specialty acrylic materials or wires to reinforce the structure. The device must be strong enough to withstand pressure from clenching teeth.
Some of the common types of orthodontic retainers include:
- Removable clear retainers: Removable retainers are fitted over the teeth allowing patients to conveniently remove them when necessary. They cover the entire tooth arc to protect the teeth from pressure and stress. Clear retainers are inconspicuous, making them convenient to use in everyday situations. Since they are removable, maintenance is less demanding.
- Hawley retainers: Hawley retainers consist of a metal wire attached to an acrylic material. It also has metal clasps that snap into the front teeth to limit their movement. Orthodontists can adjust the force of the wire to reposition teeth after orthodontic treatment. They are more durable but are not as aesthetically pleasing compared to clear removable retainers.
- Fixed retainers: Fixed retainers are ideal for cases with a high risk of teeth shifting out of position after treatment. They attach to the teeth through a unique dental adhesive. They are permanent, and only an orthodontist can remove them.
Retainer cleaning demands
You must wear the retainers for a specified duration to get the best results from your teeth straightening treatment. A review of your oral health will determine the best retainer type for your case.
Retainers require regular cleaning to remove food debris that may promote plaque formation. Stick to your dental hygiene routine and rinse the retainer with a dental solution to kill germs. Your teeth could relapse or develop decay, which may introduce oral health problems.
To learn more about orthodontic treatments, contact Gaiduchik Orthodontics or book your consultation online today.
