While braces do all the hard work of straightening teeth and correcting their alignment, they aren’t the only thing essential to a healthy smile. Once the braces come off, a retainer plays an equally important role in maintaining that happy, healthy smile for years to come, making them an essential part of your orthodontic treatment.
With all the work, time, and money that goes into wearing braces, the last thing you would want to happen is for them to go back to how they were before braces. And without the use of a retainer, that is exactly what would happen.
Your jaw is made of ligaments that attach your teeth to the bone. If these ligaments are no longer pulled, they will go back to their normal position, causing your teeth to become crooked. With a retainer, however, you can prevent these ligaments from pulling back, until they have become stable.
Understanding The Different Types Of Retainers
There are a variety of retainers available today. And since every patient’s needs are different, you may not be required to wear the same retainer someone else you know might have. This is why it is important to consult with your orthodontist, who will be able to determine which type of retainer is best for you and your teeth.
Here are the different types of retainers that are used today:
Hawley Retainer- This type of retainer is the most commonly used one today. Made of a metal wire and thin acrylic, this retainer is not only easy to remove, but can be adjusted to correct any potential tooth movement, if needed.
Fixed Retainer- This type of retainer is not removable, and is bonded to the tongue side of the teeth. These retainers are typically reserved for more high-risk situations in which the teeth have a greater chance of moving back to their original position.
Clear Aligner Retainer- This type of retainer looks a lot like the clear aligner trays used during braces treatments, but are custom made for keeping your teeth straight. While these are less noticeable and easy to remove, they are not for everyone, especially those who have teeth grinding issues.
Contact Beauty Smile Orthodontics for more information on how we can help you with a brighter smile, for a brighter future!