Retainers – Life Long To Maintain Your Best Smile
There’s no better feeling than finishing your orthodontic treatment of braces or clear aligners, and having a perfectly straight smile. You feel a wave of new-found confidence to smile in public, and be more outgoing in social settings, and so you should, your new smile looks amazing!
However, it’s important to remember that while your teeth look great now that your appliance is removed, they still require a bit of upkeep to ensure they stay looking straight and aligned long term. After all, we don’t want our teeth reverting to a misaligned position.
So, how do we ensure that we keep our new smile? It’s simple, we ensure that we follow our orthodontists guidelines, and wear our retainer after treatment.
What are orthodontic retainers?
Orthodontic retainers come in many forms, such as fixed wire retainers behind the teeth as well as plastic removable retainers. As you approach the end of your treatment with Specialist Orthodontist Dr Trudy, she will recommend a retainer that is best suited to your case, to ensure that your new smile is maintained.
How often do I need to wear my retainer?
Unlike treatment with braces or clear aligners, you don’t need to have your retainers in 24/7 (unless advised by your orthodontist Dr Trudy). If you are required to wear a removable retainer after treatment you may be advised to initially wear the retainer full time, gradually moving to night time wear. You may also be given a fixed wire retainer behind some of your teeth, whilst your new smile settles.
As we age, your jaw and gums go through many changes, in some cases, this can cause the teeth to shift out of alignment. A retainer’s job is to ensure that this doesn’t happen, and that you maintain your new smile.
The goal of orthodontic retainers is simple, to retain the amazing results your orthodontist has achieved.
Orthodontic Retainers At Noranda Orthodontics
Every patient Dr Trudy treats has two sets of retainers included in their treatment fee. For most people, these retainers they receive at the end of treatment will last up to 5 years! Some patients may also require an initial wire retainer behind some of the teeth as an added insurance against tooth movement.
On occasion, our patients accidentally break or lose their retainers, and need replacements. If this is the case, we recommend calling our practice to arrange a replacement as soon as possible.
If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, and are close to finishing. We strongly encourage you to listen to your specialist orthodontist, and wear your retainer as recommended, so you can continue smiling confidently for years to come!
If you have any questions about retainers, or starting orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners in Perth, call us today.
