After your orthodontic dental treatment is completed, you're fitted for a retainer. Regardless of whether you had invisible aligners or metal brackets, getting your braces off is a time to celebrate. The next step is maintaining your beautiful smile.
"To keep your teeth straight, you will need to wear your retainers," says child orthodontics provider Dr. Aly Kanani. "The teeth will shift if you don't wear them."
The purpose of a retainer is to allow the bone surrounding the teeth to strengthen and to prevent individual teeth from moving out of place.
Many orthodontists recommend wearing retainers full-time for six months to one year following orthodontic treatment. After a year, you will only need to wear them at night.
"It can be difficult for some patients to remember their retainers every night," says Dr. Kanani, an adult braces provider. "There are permanent options available."
A permanent retainer is a thin wire that is placed on the lingual side on the incisors, preventing the teeth from shifting. This is a great option for adults who don't want to wear a retainer every night.
Flossing with a permanent retainer can be challenging; however, with floss threaders, you can complete this task with ease.
This is a time to celebrate and show off your beautiful, healthy smile. Wearing your retainer consistently can ensure that your teeth stay straight.
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