Retainers are prescribed to protect the results of orthodontic treatment. Our practice offers several types of retainers, which are worn as the last phase of treatment. The type of retainer prescribed will depend on the type of braces you wore, your individual needs, and your lifestyle.
Why Retainers are Necessary
While it might seem like your orthodontic treatment is over when your braces come off, the truth is that using a retainer is very important to maintaining your newly-straightened smile. Retainers aren’t just important, they are necessary.
Braces straighten teeth by applying pressure to their crowns (visible tooth structure). Over time, this pressure moves the visible parts of teeth to healthier positions. The bones, muscles and gums have to respond to these changes, too, and this process takes time. Retainers are used to keep teeth in place during this adjustment period.
The first few months you wear a retainer is very important, as your teeth are most likely to move out of alignment right after your braces come off. All patients are advised to wear their retainers at night to maintain results.