So you’re close to getting your braces off or using your last clear aligner tray… First of all congrats! Here at Decatur Orthodontics, we know the hard work and commitment that every patient puts into successfully completing their orthodontic treatment, and we’re honored to be a part of that process! Now that you’re getting close to revealing your stunning new smile, it’s time to look ahead to the next phase of treatment—retention!
Retention is the second step of treatment that conventional orthodontic wisdom says most patients should enter after their active treatment phase. Retention will round out your orthodontic process by helping to keep your teeth in their newly-straightened place. The retention phase is just as important as the active phase, and regular retainer use is essential for long-lasting results.
When you complete your active phase of treatment, Dr. Francis will go over everything you need to know about the retention phase. In the meantime, here’s a brief overview of what retainers do and why they’re so important for keeping your smile happy!
What are retainers and why do I need to wear one?
Did you know that in the first year after you complete your orthodontic treatment, your teeth can begin shifting back towards their pretreatment positions in just a few days?
Throughout your orthodontic journey, your teeth are constantly held in their new positions by your braces or clear aligners. Once we remove that support, they’ll be at risk of relapse, or the natural tendency that our teeth have to shift as we get older. It can happen even if you’ve had orthodontic treatment, but the good news is, there’s a simple way to ensure your teeth stay in their straight, post-treatment positions: just wear your retainer!
To understand how retainers work, it helps to know a bit about how exactly orthodontic treatment works. Your teeth aren’t set in your jaw like posts surrounded by concrete, but rather each tooth is held in its socket by elastic ligaments that attach the roots to the bone. These ligaments are living tissue that allows for the gradual movements your teeth make during treatment. When we put tension on and around your teeth with braces or clear aligners, new ligaments and even bone are formed to facilitate new positions and temporarily hold your teeth in place.
We call this the remodeling phase of treatment, and, once it’s complete, the tissues, ligaments, and bone involved in the process will need time to stabilize.
That’s where retainers come in! It can take several months to a few years for the new position of your teeth to become more permanent. Wearing your retainer regularly will help hold them in place as this occurs. Without a retainer to help your teeth stabilize, they’ll almost always revert back to their pre-treatment positions at some point.
What are the different types of retainers?
There are two types of retainers: fixed and removable. When deciding which type is best for you, Dr. Francis will consider your specific needs, your preference, and the overall compliance expected.
Fixed retainers
Fixed retainers are sometimes referred to as permanent or bonded retainers. They consist of a thin wire that’s bonded behind the bottom and top teeth. Because this bonded wire can hold your teeth in the ideal alignment over a long time, fixed retainers often have excellent and lasting outcomes.
If you have a fixed retainer, you’ll need to brush and floss carefully to ensure it stays clean. Since the wire stretches across several teeth, dental hygiene is similar to what a patient in braces experiences. You won’t ever have to remember to wear them, which can be an added benefit (especially if you’re prone to losing things!)
Removable retainers
There are a couple of different options available when it comes to removable retainers. The Hawley and Essix models are both custom-designed to fit your mouth for the best results.
Hawley retainers
Hawley retainers are one of the oldest types of retainers. They’re made of stainless steel and kept in place by wrapping a wire around your teeth. That wire has been combined with an acrylic arch that rests against the roof of your mouth, and it can be adjusted to continue minor movement of the front teeth if needed.
Although many orthodontists are moving away from using Hawley retainers, they can still be helpful in certain cases.
Essix retainers
Essix retainers look very similar to the clear aligners used with the Invisalign system. The trays are made of transparent plastic and molded to the unique shape of the patient’s mouth. Essix retainers may cover the entire arch of the teeth or only go from canine to canine. This type of retainer is very subtle and should last as long as you need it, provided you care for it properly.
Cleaning your teeth is more manageable with removable retainers, but you will have to remember to wear them daily. They can also be easy to misplace or damage, so you’ll also need to be mindful of where it is at all times and be careful when handling it. When you aren’t wearing your retainer, be sure to place it in a secure case.
How long do retainers need to be worn after treatment is complete?
Current orthodontic wisdom suggests that all orthodontic patients will need to wear some type of retainer to keep their best results. But don’t let that scare you! Wearing your retainer will become part of your daily routine before you know it. After a while, wearing it a few nights each week will likely be all you need to keep your teeth in place.
Like anything new, it may take a little while to get used to your retainer. Occasionally it can affect your speech, though this is generally temporary and resolves on its own. It’s important to wear your retainer as directed by Dr. Francis, even if there is some minor discomfort in the beginning. Failure to do so can undo all your hard work and allow the teeth to shift back to their old positions.
Keep your smile straight and healthy with Decatur Orthodontics
Once your braces are removed or you use your last aligner, you can keep your teeth in the position you worked so hard to achieve by regularly wearing your retainer. Our expert team is committed to meeting your orthodontic needs through every phase of treatment, including retention. We’ll ensure that your retainer is comfortable, that you understand your responsibilities for wearing it, and that it’s the best fit for your smile goals and lifestyle!
If you’re looking for more information on the role retainers play after orthodontic treatment, get in touch with our Decatur Orthodontics team! We’ll be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
