There is no doubt that clear aligners are a great way to straighten teeth and improve the appearance of your smile, but it is important to ensure they remain straight after treatment is over. Whether braces or clear aligners are used, teeth have a tendency to try and shift back to their original position, and a retainer helps to ensure tooth shifting does not take place.
It can be helpful to know exactly what role a retainer plays in the clear aligners process to understand the importance of wearing it properly. The following is a complete overview of what a retainer is and why and how long it should be worn to ensure teeth remain straight and do not shift back after treatment.
A retainer is an orthodontic device that is used to keep teeth in position after teeth straightening treatment. There are different types of retainers, and they are either composed of plastic or a metal wire. Each retainer is fully customized for the specific individual who will be wearing it, and they should fit comfortably into place.
Most orthodontists require their patients to wear a retainer after their clear aligners are no longer needed. The reason this is almost always a necessity is that the teeth have taken on a new position both in a visible manner and underneath the jaw bone where the root of the tooth exists. The supporting structures of the teeth, which include the gums and underlying bone, need to adjust to the new alignment. If given the opportunity, the teeth may begin to shift back into their original position naturally. Eventually, the bone forms more appropriately around the position of the teeth and wearing a retainer often becomes less of a necessity.
The length of time a retainer needs to be worn may vary slightly for each patient, and the orthodontist should provide detailed information on how and how often to wear the device. In most instances, the first retainer should be worn as much as possible, and the length of time the retainer should be worn each day decreases as time progresses. Many orthodontists suggest the patient wear his or her retainer for years after treatment, although after a certain time period, only wearing it while the patient sleeps is likely enough to keep the teeth in their proper position.
The worst thing that can happen to a patient who completes the clear aligners process is for them to have their teeth shift back to their original position. A great way to avoid this is to wear a retainer after clear aligners treatment.
If you are in need of a retainer after teeth straightening, or are interested in clear aligners treatment, consult with us and schedule a time to come in for a visit.
Are you considering clear aligners in the Winnetka area? Get more clear aligners information at https://winnetkaplazadental.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Aligners in Winnetka, CA.
Learning more about your options for getting new dentures is necessary, as you need to make a choice that works for you. This requires thinking about your current lifestyle and how denture care will fit in. Denture care is very important, as when you take proper care of your dentures, they can last many years.Finding…
When it comes to health and wellness, prevention plays an integral role. In addition to making healthy lifestyle choices, practicing routine dental care is a vital step in maintaining a healthy mouth and body. There are numerous benefits for patients who commit to proper home and professional dental care.Routine dental care is necessary to maintain…
Good self-care habits ought to include time for routine dental care. From spending a few minutes each day on oral hygiene to visiting a general dentist throughout the year, taking care of the teeth and gums is an important part of personal health. Rather than leaving oral health to chance, implementing preventative dental care practices…
Daily oral hygiene habits should not be considered a substitute for the routine dental care that occurs during a dental checkup and cleaning. There are oral health concerns that a dentist will be able to proactively address during an office visit, but the equipment and tools used to care for both teeth and gums are…