After braces have shifted your teeth into proper alignment, the work is done. Right? Wrong. You are now entering the most critical period of treatment.
Teeth must be held in their new positions while the rest of your mouth adapts. If your bone, tongue and gums don't stabilize, your teeth will shift right back to their original positions. Think of it: your beautiful new "After" smile reverting back to the "Before" view. Orthodontists say teeth have memories. You want your teeth to forget their crooked pasts and stay straight!
Teeth sometimes naturally move during the aging process. Infrequently, people who wore braces decades before find themselves wearing retainers again at night.
Another use for retainers is in young children. When baby molars fall out, a retainer may be needed to hold the space open for the emerging permanent tooth.
Your orthodontist will determine which kind of retainer you need.
Some of the types are:
- Hawley: This removable retainer is the most commonly used type. Plastic material holds the wires that maintain tooth alignment. It's usually "passive", meaning it's used only to hold the teeth in place. Most often, a patient will wear a retainer for both the upper and lower teeth.
- Invisible or Clear: These are made of a durable transparent plastic material, which fits over your teeth, gums, and part of the jaw bone.
- Wire or Crozat: This retainer type is made entirely of wire. They're sturdy and long lasting, and are used most often for adults.
- Fixed: These are bonded to the teeth. They're prescribed usually for teeth that were severely crowded or rotated. Since they can be left on for two years or more, frequent check-ups ensure plaque isn't accumulating.
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