According to the American Dental Association, dental braces can effectively align your teeth and jaw, thus correcting and preventing bite problems, malocclusion, and other oral health issues. However, when you eventually finish your treatment and no longer wear braces, your teeth can again shift positions and become misaligned. That is the reason you may need Queens retainers. Retainers are often the final stage of orthodontic treatment since they work to prevent your newly straightened or aligned teeth from moving out of position. Additionally, retainers can adjust the adjacent gum and jawbone to their new, proper place.
Subsequently, below are a few things you may need to remember about retainers.
1. Types of retainers
There are different types of retainers, each with distinct pros and cons. Your orthodontist will consider your dental requirement before recommending a particular retainer. Generally, you can choose either removable or permanent retainers.
For instance, regarding removable trainers, you can choose either a vacuum-form retainer or a Hawley retainer. A vacuum form retainer is a clear, horse-shoe-shaped device that your dentist fixes over your teeth. Because a vacuum form retainer is clear, it is aesthetically attractive. Also, it feels comfortable in your mouth since it is not bulky.
On the other hand, a Hawley retainer is a plastic device your dentist forms for the mouth’s roof or floor, attached to a wire fitting over the teeth’s front. A Hawley retainer lasts longer and is flexible enough to allow its adjustment.
2. How long should you wear a retainer?
You can only have a straight smile when committed to long-term orthodontic treatment. The time it takes to wear your retainer will depend on when you stopped wearing your braces.
Generally, you will need to wear your retainer for about six months from when you stopped wearing braces. After that period, you can then only wear your retainer during sleep.
Always adhere to the instructions of your orthodontist regarding wearing retainers. You must wear your retainer as your orthodontist prescribes if you want to avoid wearing your retainer for a lengthy period.
3. Maintenance of retainers
Your orthodontist will usually provide instructions that enable you to maintain your retainers properly, which is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring healthy oral hygiene.
If your retainer is removable, you may need to remove it from your mouth before eating. That is because some foods and drinks that are sticky, hard, or have high acidic or sugar content can damage and break your retainers.
Also, you may need to remove your retainers from your mouth to clean them and brush your teeth to protect yourself against the accumulation of food particles and plaque.
If a retainer is not inside your mouth, keep it in an environment that can keep it moisturized. Without exposure to sufficient moisture, retainers tend to dry out and become damaged. Moreover, keep your retainer in a protective case, so you do not misplace it or accidentally throw it away.
Contact Amazing Smiles Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment with your dentist.