Wondering how long do you have to wear a retainer? Don’t worry! We have got you covered.
You’ve finally arrived at the time on your schedule that you’ve been anticipating for months! It’s time to put your braces away. But hold on! For a while, your orthodontist may require you to wear a retainer. Retainers are orthodontic devices worn after braces and other orthodontic equipment. The appliance is made of plastic and metal, and it fits over the top of the teeth and mouth. A retainer is essential for each patient who has had orthodontic treatment.
If you don’t wear a retainer after braces, your teeth will return to their pre-orthodontic state. If you disregard the retainer, you may get an orthodontic relapse, which may demand significant treatment. In the years following orthodontic treatment, teeth will shift, but the extent of shifting depends on how regularly you wear retainers.
If you consider scheduling an orthodontist treatment, we suggest you visit Alborzi orthodontics. They provide the best Metal braces in Half Moon Bay.
Reasons why retainers are important
Retainers can help with your orthodontic treatment in the following ways:
- They help to keep your bite intact.
The tissue and bone around your teeth require time to adjust to tooth alignment changes once the orthodontist removes your braces. They gradually settle into their new configuration, and once that happens, the chances of recurrence or teeth shifting out of place are minimal.
- They make room for wisdom teeth as well as new teeth.
Preteens and teenagers, whose bodies are still developing, are the most prevalent braces users. Therefore, they would wear retainers around the same time as wisdom teeth erupt. If they wear the retainer diligently, there will be enough space in their jaw to accommodate new teeth like wisdom teeth. The use of retainers regularly prevents teeth from shifting or crowding due to a lack of space.
- They obstruct treatment Reversal.
In the months following the removal of braces, the teeth will begin to move back to their original position. The retainer can avoid the reversal. Depending on your situation, you may require to wear a retainer for a few years.
- It will help align your Jaw Bones and Gums.
The gums and bones surrounding your teeth will take longer to adjust when braces realign to a new position. A retainer aligns and stabilizes your bite.
- They assist teeth in maintaining their position.
When you use braces to close gaps in your teeth, the teeth will take longer to stabilize. This can be true even for significantly dislocated teeth, huge overbites, and underbites. It is imperative to keep the teeth in their new positions until the mouth has time to adapt to the changes caused by the tooth moving or repositioning a considerable distance. Retainers help to accomplish this.
How Long Do You Wear a Retainer?
Depending on your circumstances, you may have to wear a retainer for a certain period of time. For the first six months following orthodontic treatment, most people will wear a clear retainer regularly. By the end of this period, you only need to wear the appliance while you sleep. The lingual wires are permanent, so they are always worn while you’re sleeping.
How Should You Look After Your Retainers?
- Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine is the first step in caring for your retainers, just as you would with your braces.
- According to the manufactures recommendations, you should store and clean the retainers.
- If you have fixed retainers, brush between the wires that link to your teeth to avoid developing plaque.
- If you use detachable retainers, you should wash them with lukewarm water after each meal or drink. You can also clean them with toothpaste and your toothbrush.
Ways to remove retainers
Removing your retainer is simple (but if you have a lingual wire, you won’t have to worry about that.) Taking off your Vivera retainer is the same process as removing Invisalign aligners. Just remove the retainer by releasing one side at a time. To free the retainer, grab the tray with your pointer finger and thumb in the very back of your mouth and pull. Repeat on the other side as well. You can hold the front of the Vivera retainer and slide it out of your mouth once you release both sides.
