WHOAH! Congratulations, braces are off, the days of being strapped and poked by those metal wires and brackets are already done, your smile is astonishing! And your orthodontist will say RETAINERS! RETAINERS! RETAINERS!!
Retention after braces is essential to keep those pretty smiles intact, and yet they are always the most taken-for-granted part of the orthodontic treatment. As a practicing orthodontist, the main problem I encounter in my office after braces, is the lack of compliance in wearing retainers religiously, making angry faces from parents and orthodontists alike.
Common types of retainers are either: removable acrylic or plastic (a clear one that looks invisible to the eye) or a fixed wire retainer. The type of retainer depends on doctor recommendation and patient preference. I love giving the clear retainers because they are removable, easily cleaned and are more comfortable because they feel like wearing a mouth guard. No matter what type of retainers you wear, it is you who can make things work.
My patients are usually told:
- Wear the retainers immediately once braces are off! If you do not wear your retainers, you will be back in braces again
- You invested 2 years of this relationship (Orthodontic treatment)- please do not break my heart and your parent’s bank account, just wear the retainers!
- Keep them in a safe place (away from pets- especially your cute dog because they love chewing this thing!)
- Keep your retainer check appointments because we would like to make sure if your retainers are fitting properly and the teeth haven\’t moved. Always remember to bring these to every appointment
- It’s easy! place it in before you go to bed, and we all be happy like what I always say, “NIGHT TIME FOR A LIFETIME”.