What Happens After Braces Treatment?

You’re finally graduated from your orthodontic treatment. But wait, there’s an additional class! Yes, you’ve read this correctly. After orthodontic treatment comes retainer management. Everyone who completes treatment is required to wear retainers for 12 months or more.

Braces fix misaligned teeth and place teeth, ligaments and other surrounding structures into their most possible correct alignment. However, after orthodontics, your teeth and their surrounding parts need to stabilize their new positions, and that’s why we integrate retainers as the final phase of your beautiful new smile.

If you fail to consistently wear your retainers, some relapse can occur, and you may require corrective treatment again. To reduce relapse, it’s important to wear your retainers as instructed.

There are different types of retainers and your dentist will discuss these with you. Together, you can decide what best suits you.

Fixed Retainer: This type of retainer is attached to the lingual side of the six front teeth. You may need to wear this retainer for years, and it isn’t detachable.

Essix or Clear Retainer: This removable, clear plastic retainer is nearly undetectable when you beam your pretty smile. It’s almost similar to an Invisalign tray.

Hawley Retainer: This is the most widely recognized type of retainer. Hawley retainer is an adjustable and molded acrylic appliance with a wire that runs along the front of your teeth.

Whichever retainer your dentist suggests, the essential thing to remember is to wear your retainer(s) as instructed and to follow the necessary instructions for care.

If you have questions regarding orthopaedic orthodontics or retainers, please visit our office in Grand Falls-Windsor. Here at Exploits Valley Dental office, our primary focus is to deliver the best solutions and services to resolve your dental concerns.

– The Exploits Valley Dental Team