Retainers, or dental retainers, are custom-made devices designed to keep teeth in their corrected position after an orthodontic procedure. Retainers, such as aligners and braces, prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position and from getting misaligned. To get retainers, you can visit an orthodontist in New Gurgaon. In this article, we will tell you why retainers are important after orthodontic treatment.
Types of Dental Retainers
- Retainers that are removable, easy to clean, and maintain, allowing flexibility, are called removable retainers. Examples of such retainers are Hawley and Essix.
- The second type of retainer is fixed or bonded wire retainers, which are permanently attached to the back of the teeth. These are low-maintenance, but you need to be extra careful while brushing.
How Long Retainers Should Be Worn?
- For the initial 3-6 months, you should wear them all the time except while eating and brushing.
- After the first six months, nighttime wearing is recommended, duration depends on a case-to-case basis.
- Some orthodontists recommend wearing retainers for life to prevent the gradual shifting of teeth.
Why Are Retainers Essential After Orthodontic Treatment?
- There is something called orthodontic relapse, in which teeth try to return to their original position because of muscle memory, gum fibres, and natural bite force.
- Retainers prevent the teeth from moving, allowing your gums and bones to adjust. They stabilize the structures, allowing them to firm up, making the changes more permanent.
- As we age, our teeth continue to move and shift due to activities like chewing jaw growth, therefore retainers compensate for the aging effects. Also, wearing retainers regularly prevents long-term misalignment.
- It provides protection against pressure from the tongue, lips, and cheeks. Retainers act as a barrier to these forces and help maintain the alignment.
- There is a phenomenon called crowding. If you do not wear retainers, your teeth, especially in the lower front, tend to shift inward and get crowded, which can lead to plaque and cavities building up and may make cleaning difficult.
- Some people suffer from bite issues that cut the inside of their cheeks, lips, and tongue. Retainers correct bite issues by straightening teeth. They preserve the correct bite position, thus reducing discomfort and jaw pain.
- Retainers can also help correct minor shifts in your teeth, which, in time, could turn major.
- Orthodontic treatments are expensive and could take months or years. Wearing retainers can ensure that your time, effort, and money are not wasted.
Conclusion
Retainers, as the name suggests, help retain your teeth in their respective position after an orthodontic treatment. They are custom made and designed as per your requirement. Having these on after the treatment is essential, helping you save time, effort and money and maintaining a perfect smile and healthy teeth and jaw. Consulting an orthodontist in Golf Course Road would be advisable for people looking to align their teeth. Without the retainers, all the time and effort spent correcting your teeth can be undone over time. For further clarification, you can contact an orthodontist in DLF Phase 3.
