Hard work is put into getting those straight and beautiful smiles during orthodontic treatment, which makes the appropriate use of retainers so crucial to making sure that all of it sticks. A retainer is a custom-made device prescribed by an orthodontist in Morrisville, NC to patients to hold the functionality of their arrangement and prevent teeth from shifting backward toward their original location. In today’s article, we want to go over the remarkable importance of retainers as well when it comes to keeping that beam on your face, how they function, and some general tips for retainer upkeep.

Why do Retainers Matter?

Indeed, even after braces or clear aligner treatment has moved your teeth into new positions, they’re not secure in these areas. Time is also needed by the ligaments and bone tissue that support the teeth to adjust to their new positions. More often than not, there is a potential for tooth movement to relapse back into their pre-treatment positions if you do not have the backing of orthodontic appliances.

How Retainers Work

Retainers hold the teeth in their new position while bone and tissues around them adjust to stabilize the teeth. They are worn full time following braces and then we gradually reduce wear to only nighttime. This allows the bone to remodel around the teeth in a new position, which helps prevent any possibility of relapse.

Types of Retainers

The Different Types of Retainers That Are Available Are:

• Hawley Retainers: Combining both wires and acrylic material to offer a unique construction that’s used specifically either on the roof of the mouth or within the lingual surface of teeth, Hawleys are usually custom-made.
• Clear retainers: These are similar in appearance to Invisalign aligners and as the name suggests, they are barely visible when you have them on. They’re made of clear plastic.
• Fixed Retainers: Bonded or permanent retainers cannot be removed because they are attached to the back surfaces of teeth. These are sometimes referred to as fixed retainers.

Retainers help ensure that your new orthodontic treatment results hold their shape and keep your smile looking its best for many more years to come. If you continue to follow your orthodontist’s prescribed schedule for wearing and caring for a retainer, your teeth will stay straight and in place. This can help prevent the need for retreatment later on. In the end, wearing your retainers as directed is an important investment in preserving and protecting the long-term health and beauty of your newly straightened smile.