Welcome to our blog post about retainers and braces! Braces are an orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth and improve the alignment of a person’s bite. After you have completed your orthodontic treatment, retainers may be recommended by your orthodontist as part of the aftercare plan. It is important to understand how retainers work in order to maintain good oral health following the completion of braces. In this blog post, we will answer the question “how long do I have to wear a retainer after braces?”
What are Retainers?
Retainers are custom-made appliances designed to maintain the position of your teeth once they have been moved into their desired positions with braces. They are made of plastic and metal wires that fit snugly against the roof of your mouth or the backside of your teeth. Retainers help keep the teeth in place after braces are removed and will also prevent them from shifting due to natural changes in a person’s bite over time.
Why Wear Retainers After Braces?
Retainers play an important role in maintaining the results achieved with orthodontic treatment following the removal of braces. Without retainers, there is a chance that your teeth may shift over time as your natural bite changes with age. Wearing retainers immediately after braces are removed will help retain your new smile for years to come!
How Long Do I Have To Wear A Retainer After Braces?
The amount of time a person will need to wear retainers after braces will vary depending on the individual. Generally, retainers should be worn full-time for at least two years following the removal of braces. After this initial period, a person can transition to wearing retainers only at night or when instructed by their orthodontist or dentist.
Once you have completed your orthodontic treatment, it is important to commit to maintaining your new smile through the regular use of retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist. The more consistent you are in wearing retainers and following the instructions of your orthodontist, the longer you can enjoy your beautiful new smile!
Conclusion
Retainers are an important part of the aftercare plan following orthodontic treatment with braces. In order to maintain good oral health, retainers should be worn full-time for at least two years following the removal of braces. With consistent use and proper care, retainers can help retain your new smile for years to come!
FAQs:
Q: How often do I need to wear retainers?
A: Generally, retainers should be worn full-time for at least two years following the removal of braces. After this initial period, a person can transition to wearing retainers only at night or when instructed by their orthodontist.
Q: How do retainers work?
A: Retainers are custom-made appliances designed to maintain the position of your teeth once they have been moved into their desired positions with braces. They are made of plastic and metal wires that fit snugly against the roof of your mouth or the backside of your teeth. Retainers help keep the teeth in place after braces are removed and will also prevent them from shifting due to natural changes in a person’s bite over time.
Q: How should I care for retainers?
A: It is important to clean retainers every day with either a brush made specifically for retainers or water and toothpaste. Retainers should also be soaked periodically in an approved cleaning solution, such as Efferdent, and washed before each use.