Do I Still Need a Retainer After Braces?

Congratulations on achieving the smile of your dreams. You must be admiring how you look now with a perfectly aligned smile. It must be a freedom to get off those wires, food restrictions, and the hassle of clinic visits. Well, your orthodontic teeth straightening journey might be over, but you should know that another vital step of retaining your new smile is left. Whether you got your teeth straightened either with braces or aligners, a retention phase is necessary. In this blog, let us help you discover if you need retainers after braces.

What is a Retainer?

Well, retainers are the orthodontic devices that are used to keep your teeth straightened after getting them straightened. They are customised to meet each individual’s dental requirements and keep the teeth aligned in their new position. It doesn’t matter if you have had your teeth straightened either with braces or aligners; a retention phase is a necessary part of your entire orthodontic treatment.

Why Wear a Teeth Retainer?

Everyone who has undergone a teeth straightening treatment should know that retaining the new smile is extremely necessary. Here is why the post-braces retainer use can be beneficial and a necessity for you.

Prevent Orthodontic Relapse

After getting your teeth straightened, either with braces or aligners, your teeth can still move back to their original position. Retainers help to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position.

Forever Aligned Smile

You can keep your dream smile forever with the help of retainers. Eliminate the risk of teeth shifting and an orthodontic relapse and keep your smile aligned forever with retainers.

Orthodontic Investment

Don't let your orthodontic investment and time go to waste. Teeth straightening treatments cost a good amount that no one would ever want to go to waste by misaligning teeth again. In addition to keeping your teeth aligned, retainers help to prevent your orthodontic investment from being wasted.

Types of Retainers for Teeth

There are different types of teeth retainers , all with their distinct features as mentioned below.

Hawley Retainers

Hawley retainers are the type of retainers that include a metal wire attached to an acrylic base. The acrylic base is attached to the roof of the mouth. They are known for being durable and effective for all types of cases.

Clear Retainers

Clear retainers are the type of retainers that are specially for individuals who do not want to compromise their appearance with a visible metal wire. They are transparent like clear aligners. It means you can retain your teeth without even getting noticed in a comfortable way.

Fixed Retainers

This type of retainer is bonded to the teeth to provide consistent retention. Another effective approach to retain your newly achieved smile. These types of retainers cannot be removed as they are fixed on the back of the teeth.

How Long to Wear a Retainer After Braces?

The duration of wearing retainers depends on the severity of the case. If your malocclusion was severe, you might have to wear retainers for a rather longer duration than in mild cases. Often, retainers are recommended to be worn throughout the day initially. However, later, the wear time is shifted to nighttime wear only. Your orthodontist can best advise you on the wear time of retainers according to your case.

Tips to Take Care of Your Retainers

Daily Cleaning

Any dental device, like a retainer, needs proper daily attention just like our teeth. Keep your retainers bacteria-free by cleaning them before and after every use . Use a soft-bristled brush to clean them by adding a non-abrasive toothpaste. You can also soak retainers at least once a week in a cleaning solution to prevent any bacterial buildup. Moreover, make sure to avoid hot water as it may damage the device.

Proper Storage

Do not keep your retainers just anywhere when not in use. You must store them in a proper storage container to avoid any damage and scratches to the device. Moreover, it helps to keep your device away from bacteria, plaque, also eliminating the risks of losing them.

Handle With Care

Do not bend your retainers as they can break into pieces. Handle your device carefully and do not put it in a pocket or throw it in a purse without its container. By taking slight care, you can make your device last longer, helping with a smooth retention phase.

Smilepath Retainers

Keep your dream smile intact with Smilepath Clear Retainers . With our customized clear retainers, you can keep your smile lasting longer forever. Our retainers are composed of BPA-free plastic material that ensures a smooth retention journey. Moreover, you can get your retainers delivered to your doorstep. It means no need to wait for your dental appointments when you can get your dental device from the comfort of your home.

Why Choose Smilepath Retainers After Braces?

• Customized comfort
• Affordable retention
• Lasting durability
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• At-home service

Recap

Teeth straightening procedures have become widely popular among individuals who wish to have a picture-perfect smile. However, teeth straightening doesn’t end with braces or aligners. Your smile journey includes an important retention phase. Wearing retainers after braces is a vital phase to ensure your newly straightened teeth stay in position. You must wear retainers after achieving the smile of your dreams to keep that beautiful smile of yours intact forever. Smilepath offers custom clear retainers for a smooth and hassle-free retention phase. Do not let your orthodontic investment go to waste and get your retainers today.

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