So, you’re finally finished with braces. Now what? Retainers? You must be thinking, “Well, my teeth are already straight. I must be done here. I don’t need retainers.“
Unfortunately, you are mistaken
Retainers are in fact equally important to braces. Our bones have the ability to remodel and change constantly, hence our teeth have the tendency to shift back into its previous positions even after the full course of braces. It is thus of utmost importance to dutifully wear your retainers for the period of time stipulated by your dentist – even if you have to wear it for your whole life – to maintain your teeth’s perfect alignment.
Types Of Braces
Luckily, there are a few types of braces to suit your lifestyle and preference.
Hawley Retainers (Labial Retainers)
Made of molded clear plastic, they look like Invisalign aligners. Though they are invisible, they do not allow the teeth to touch in a natural way and have a shorter lifespan than Hawley retainers, having to be replaced every few years. They are also harder to keep clean.
Permanent Retainers
Permanent bonded retainers are glued to the back of your teeth – typically the six lower front teeth. These retainers keep your teeth in shape well and are not visible to others. However, it may prove a challenge to floss with these retainers. Sometimes, they might even cut your tongue.
Visit Greenlife Dental Clinic today for more information and details!
