Once the active phase of your orthodontic treatment concludes, retainers help ensure that your teeth remain in optimal alignment. The team at Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics in Waldwick and Teaneck, New Jersey, offer customized retainers that are both effective and comfortable. Book your personalized consultation online or by phone today to learn more about the entire orthodontic treatment process.
request an appointmentWhy are retainers important?
The same process that allows your teeth to shift in response to orthodontic treatment will also allow teeth to continue moving once you get the braces taken off. Retainers work to hold your teeth into position after you exit the active phase of orthodontic treatment.
Wearing your retainer keeps your teeth in alignment as your bone tissue, gums, and muscles adapt to the new shape of your smile. Without retainers, the pressure created when you chew or grind your teeth can cause them to move out of position, ruining your treatment results.
There are two primary types of retainers. Wire retainers consist of a metal wire that is hidden on the back of your teeth. Clear retainers are plastic trays that snap over the surface of your teeth.
When should I wear retainers?
Once your braces come off or you complete Invisalign® treatment, your orthodontist fits you for retainers. You learn how to place and remove the retainer and discuss when you should wear it.
Your orthodontist might advise you to wear your retainer around the clock for 4-6 months after your braces come off. From that point forward, wearing your retainer each night ensures your smile stays straight.
What happens if I break or lose my retainer?
Because wearing your retainer is an important part of orthodontic care, you should let your orthodontist know if you misplace it or if it is damaged or broken. You can return to the office to get fitted for a new retainer, and you should have your replacement within a week at most.
Embracing good habits can reduce the risk of losing your retainer. Always rinse your retainer with water when you remove it, and place it in the case.
That way, you always know where to look for your retainer, and the case provides a degree of protection in case of a drop. It’s also more difficult to accidentally throw your entire case away. You might be surprised how many retainers get lost in the garbage after being wrapped in napkins during meals.
Book your visit online or over the phone with Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics today to learn more about retainers.