Like most patients at Quest Johnson Orthodontics, you are probably counting down the days until you get
your braces off. It’s no question that when that day comes, it will be
exciting. But…it’s important to remember that just because your braces have
been removed, that doesn’t mean your orthodontic treatment is over.
Retainers will need to be worn
following the removal of your braces in order to prevent the teeth from
shifting. It is vital to follow Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s instructions
carefully after you have had your orthodontic treatment completed to ensure
long-standing results.
Unfortunately, braces don’t
guarantee that your orthodontic treatment results will be permanent. In fact,
teeth have a natural tendency to move back into their original place after the
forces holding them have been removed. Without a retainer, it is likely that
the teeth will go back to their prior misalignment shortly after having your braces
removed. A retainer helps to keep your teeth aligned until they have set firmly
into place.
Ultimately, retainer use will
continue indefinitely. The amount of time that you must spend wearing your
retainer will depend on how long it has been since you had your braces removed.
In most situations, you will be required to wear your retainer as often as
possible for the first 3 to 6 months after your braces have been removed. After
this, it is recommended that you wear your retainer nightly for the next 1 to 3
years. Failing to wear your retainer for a day or two won’t cause significant issues
but failing to wear your retainer for long periods of time will cause your
teeth to move out of alignment.
There two main types of
retainers and our team will discuss the best solution for retaining the
alignment of your teeth with you.
Removable Retainers – These
are retainers that you can remove and store when they are not in your mouth.
This kind of retainer is often much easier to keep clean, because you can
remove your retainer whenever you eat or brush your teeth. Removable retainers
allow you to be more efficient with your oral hygiene routine. However, the
main drawback to removable retainers is that you must remember to wear it
according to Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s specifications. Removable retainers
are also easier to lose and damage, because they can be taken out of your mouth
and misplaced.
Fixed Retainers - A fixed retainer is adhered to the teeth in much the same way as your braces. Fixed
retainers consist of a thin wire that is positioned and bonded to the back
surface of your teeth. Fixed retainers effective at keeping the teeth in place,
but they can be more difficult to keep clean.
It is important to keep your
retainer clean and in good condition. Remember to rinse your removable retainer
in cold water before and after use. If you have a fixed retainer, you will need
to follow the same processes to clean it as you did with braces. Store your
removable retainer in a plastic case whenever it is not in your mouth. You will
also need to wash your retainer with a specialized cleaner every few months.
At Quest Johnson Orthodontics,
we are passionate about your smile. To learn more about how to keep your smile
straight and beautiful, visit our website or give one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members a call.
