The Importance of Wearing Retainers After Braces or Invisalign® Treatment

Congratulations, you’ve just completed your orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign®! You’ve achieved the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. However, your journey to a healthy smile isn’t over yet. After your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will provide you with retainers. It’s important to understand the role of retainers and why they are essential for maintaining your newly aligned teeth.

Why are retainers important?

Retainer help to keep your teeth in their newly aligned position. After the removal of braces or Invisalign® aligners, teeth will naturally shift back to their original position. The purpose of a retainer is to prevent this from happening.

Types of retainers

There are two types of retainers: removable and fixed. Removable retainers are made of plastic and are designed to fit over your teeth and you can easily remove them for cleaning and eating. Fixed retainers, on the other hand, are attached to the back of your teeth with a wire. Patient cannot remove them and require special cleaning.

A removable retainer can be further classified into two types: Hawley retainer and clear plastic retainer. Hawley retainer is made of acrylic and wire and is often used after traditional braces treatment. Orthodontists often use clear plastic retainers made of clear plastic after Invisalign® treatment.

Vivera Retainers

Vivera Retainers are manufacture by Align Technology, the same company that produces Invisalign® clear aligners. These clear, custom-made retainers are produce using advanced 3D imaging technology, which ensures a precise fit and a comfortable wear. The material used to make Vivera Retainers is strong, durable, and resistant to wear and tear, which makes them a long-lasting investment

How often should I wear my retainer?

Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions on how often you should wear your retainer. Typically, you should wear retainer all day and night for the first few months after your orthodontic treatment. After that, your orthodontist may suggest wearing them only at night.

What happens if I don’t wear my retainer?

If you don’t wear your retainer as prescribed, your teeth may shift back to their original position. This means that all the time and effort you put into your orthodontic treatment will go to waste. It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions and wear your retainer as prescribed.

How often should you replace your retainer?

A retainer is not meant to last forever. Over time, they can become worn or damaged, which can compromise their effectiveness. As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your retainer every one to two years, depending on the type of retainer and how often you wear it.

Your orthodontist will advise you on the best schedule for replacing your retainer, based on your individual needs and the type of retainer you have. Some types of retainers may require more frequent replacement than others, particularly if they experience excessive wear or damage.

It’s important to remember that wearing a retainer is a lifelong commitment if you want to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment. Regularly replacing your retainer is an essential part of this commitment, ensuring that your teeth remain straight and healthy for years to come.

Conclusion

Retainers are an essential part of maintaining your newly aligned teeth. They help to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position and ensure that you maintain a healthy smile. There are different types of retainers available, including removable and fixed retainers, and your orthodontist will provide specific instructions on how often you should wear your retainer. By wearing your retainer as prescribed, you can ensure that your perfect smile lasts a lifetime. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you would like to learn more about orthodontic care or retainers.