Straightening your teeth with braces is a big investment of both time and money, but the results can be well worth it. However, as a dentist can explain, once your braces are removed, the work is not quite over yet. To maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment, you will need to wear a retainer.
In this article, we’ll go over what makes retainers so necessary, and the role they play in keeping your teeth straight and aligned. We’ll also discuss the importance of braces for controlling crowding. Read on and get in touch with a dentist to learn more.
Why Do I Need A Retainer If I’ve Already Had Braces?
The purpose of braces is to realign your teeth or fix over or underbites. However, even after your braces are removed, your teeth have a natural tendency to move towards the front of your mouth, a process known as mesial drift.
Mesial drift occurs because historically, our teeth used to see a lot more wear and tear. This constant wear made more room between each tooth. This extra room allowed our teeth to move forward and make room for our wisdom teeth. With modern dental care, we don’t wear down our teeth as much, and our teeth end up crowding. Braces pull everything into place, but a retainer keeps everything in place.
How Long Will I Have To Wear My Retainer?
After your braces are removed, you’ll have to wear your retainer pretty much nonstop for anywhere from three months to a year. Then, you’ll have to wear your retainer every night for the rest of your life to ensure your teeth don’t relapse. Don’t let it scare you: it may seem like a commitment, but it ensures you don’t lose all your hard work. Besides, after enough time has passed, you may only have to wear your retainer every other night or so.
Why Is It Important To Wear A Retainer?
Wearing a retainer is important because it helps maintain the results achieved by your braces. If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth can shift back to their original positions over time. A retainer helps keep your teeth in their new position and prevents relapse, which could undo all the hard work that was put into aligning your teeth.
How Can I Get A Retainer?
You’ll need to consult with a dentist or orthodontist to get a retainer. Your dental professional will assess your teeth and determine the best type of retainer for your situation. They may even take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fitted retainer. This ensures a snug fit.
Is It Too Late To Fix My Smile?
It’s never too late to fix your smile. With modern dental techniques, there are a variety of options available for realigning your teeth and improving those pearly-whites. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, you can benefit from dental treatment to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. Contact a dentist or orthodontist today to learn more about your options.