Why it is important to wear a retainer
After you have finished brace treatment all you’ll want to do is show off your beautiful new smile, so it’d be a shame to lose it once you’ve spent so much time trying to correct it. In this blog, we will tell you how to keep your new smile after treatment.
Why do teeth move following brace treatment?
An orthodontic relapse occurs when your teeth drift out of alignment. This occurs when retainers have not been worn sufficiently.
Wearing a retainer
Retainers are an essential part of your aftercare following braces as they help retain your teeth and stop them from moving back to where they were before you started your orthodontic treatment. There are two types of retainers, a fixed retainer and a removable retainer.
Fixed retainers
Fixed retainers are a permanent option that is fitted to the back of your front teeth. They are made up of a thin metal wire that is bonded to your teeth after you have had your braces removed. Fixed retainers are a belts and braces approach to retention and should be reinforced with evening/night time wear of removable retainers.
Removable retainers
Removable retainers come in the form of a clear removable appliance, similar to Invisalign aligners. They are made from thin but robust plastic and you need to wear them usually for a minimum of 10 hours per night (please follow specific instructions from your orthodontic practitioner). They are as important as the fixed retainer but give you the option to remove them. The advantage of this type of retainer is that they are removable so you can easily eat, drink and brush your teeth without them becoming damaged. They are also clear so they can’t be seen by anyone.
There is no time limit for when you need to wear your retainer as it should be worn indefinitely, to keep your teeth nice and straight. To enquire about the retainers we have available, give us a call on 0161 884 1481.
- Mohammad Malik
