Everyone breathes that sigh of relief once their braces are taken off. They have the freedom to eat what they want and smile to show off their new teeth. After braces always come retainers, which can be easy to forget about. So why do I need to wear one?
What does a retainer do?
Retainers are appliances that stop your teeth from moving back to the position they were before you started your treatment. Depending on which type you choose, your retainer doesn’t have to be worn constantly. There are two different types of retainer available; fixed retainers and removable retainers.
Fixed retainers consist of a metal wire that’s fitted to the back of your teeth, usually fitted immediately after your braces come off. The wire is bonded to the back of your front teeth in order to keep their position.
Removable retainers are made of a thin clear plastic designed to perfectly fit your teeth. These retainers don’t need to be worn constantly, they are usually worn overnight. When you’re not wearing this type of retainer it is important to keep them in a retainer case so they don’t get lost.
What happens if I don’t wear a retainer?
If you were to avoid retainers after having your braces taken off then you would have the risk of your teeth shifting, which could cause them to become crooked or overcrowded. This would result in a loss of time and money correcting your teeth.
Your teeth are always moving which is the reason why it’s so important you wear your retainer!
If you’re coming to the end of your orthodontic treatment or want to fix a minor problem, then get in touch now to book a consultation.