A set of well-aligned teeth and a charming smile can take you a long way. And, getting your teeth straightened through clear aligners is one of the best orthodontic procedures. However, the treatment doesn’t end as you take off your last set of aligners. Ideally, after examining your progress, your orthodontist will suggest you wear retainers for as long as he deems fit. If you are wondering why you would have to wear another appliance despite wearing one for quite some time, let us help you with some information.

What are retainers?

Retainers are used to ‘retain’ the teeth in their new position. They are custom-made devices that fit the shape of your teeth and are worn after undergoing orthodontic treatment. If the realigned teeth are not held post-treatment, there is a possibility of them drifting back to their original position. Retainers also help in rebuilding the bones that hold the repositioned teeth. They do the job of keeping the teeth intact in their new position. 

How long do you need to wear retainers?

It is up to the orthodontist to decide how long a patient needs to wear retainers. It could be anything from a couple of years to an entire lifetime. In most cases, it is advisable to wear them 24/7 to hold the teeth in their new position with the required pressure. You can, obviously, remove them while eating or brushing/flossing. Once the teeth start stabilizing in their new position, your orthodontist may advise you to wear them only during the night. But this depends on the condition of your teeth.

Choosing the right retainer

Retainers that fit your teeth comfortably and efficiently provide the required support to keep the teeth from drifting should be the first choice. However, some additional features add to their efficiency. For example, OrthoFX retainers are made from FXTetra Bright. It is a proprietary translucent material that makes the teeth appear naturally white without artificial chemicals or whitening gels. Ideally, retainers need to be replaced at regular intervals because they tend to wear down over time. 

If clears aligner is the magic wand that gives you a beautiful smile, then a retainer is the magic potion that ensures the smile remains intact. It is an important aspect of the teeth-straightening treatment and cannot be skipped at any cost if you are out to achieve perfectly aligned teeth.

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6605884/