Retainer After Braces FAQ’s

Retainer After Braces FAQ’s. If you’re considering teeth straightening in Southend then there are a variety of braces to choose from to meet all dental needs, budgets, and lifestyles. However one of the concerns that is always raised is whether it is really necessary to wear a retainer once treatment is finished. The simple answer is yes, if you don’t want your teeth to revert to their original positions and undo all of the hard work that has been done.

We take a look below at some of the most common questions that are asked about retainers.

How long do retainers need to be worn?

It takes time for the bone and soft tissues to settle down once your teeth have been moved so retainers are worn for as long as it takes for the bite to stabilise. The first month following the removal of braces is crucial since there’s an extremely high risk of a relapse.

Relapse may mean that it will take one or two years for the teeth to stabilise following treatment. For anyone who has gapped teeth before treatment, then the retention period is always longer. As a rule of thumb retainers are worn for as long again as you wore braces, However, it’s not uncommon for a Southend dentist to insist on patients wearing retainers for life.

What do retainers look like?

Retainers can take the form of a fixed wire that is bonded to the back of your front teeth or can be a removable appliance.

How will a retainer fit into my daily life?

Removable retainers have a wire which fits across the front teeth. It is noticeable but not as much as in a fixed brace. They can be removed for eating and cleaning your teeth and for contact sports. It can take a couple of days to get used to wearing a retainer and your speech may be affected at first. You’ll also notice that you produce more saliva when you first start to wear a retainer. If your retainer is fixed then it’s important that you brush the back of your teeth thoroughly. You’ll also need to brush all around the wire to prevent calculus from forming.

Will my teeth ever move when the period of retention is over?

Bone can remodel and change throughout our lives which is why broken bones are able to heal. As faces mature, particularly between the ages of 20 and 50, the lower teeth can get crowded as teeth push forward. To avoid late crowding, your Southend dentist may recommend that removable retainers be worn for a longer period and that fixed retainers are kept in place for at least 5 years.

Adult patients are usually recommended to sleep with their retainers on for the rest of their lives.

If you’re considering braces in Southend then come and speak with Southend Dental Care. Our knowledgeable orthodontists can discuss how you’d like your smile to look and recommend the appropriate orthodontic treatments. Call us today on 01702 465000 to book a consultation.