Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment. No matter what kind of braces or Invisalign you wear on your teeth, at the end of the journey you will be fitted with a customized retainer. The retainer has one important job – keep those newly straightened teeth in place, permanently. If that isn’t enough reason to love the appliance forever, here are several more.
You Have Choices
There are options when it comes to types of braces, and you may also have options for type of retainer. Many patients with full braces opt for a permanent, discreet retainer behind their lower teeth. They may wear a removable clear aligner on top or wire retainer. Talk to your orthodontist about what’s best for your oral health and ask questions about plastic and metal retainers, removable and fixed retainers, and clear and colorful appliances.
All-Day Wear Is Unnecessary
Once most orthodontic patients reach the retainer stage of their alignment efforts, they only need to wear the mouthpiece at night. Though some patients may need to wear the appliance all day for a few months, eventually you will only have to wear a retainer while you sleep, and that won’t get in the way of your daily life, socializing, working, or going to school.
There Is Only One Adjustment Period
Every time you switch to a new set of Invisalign trays or see your orthodontist for the tightening of metal braces, you will feel pressure and discomfort as teeth and roots move. But once you get used to your retainer and temporary side effects (a minor lisp, uncomfortable tightness, difficulty removing the tray), that’s it – no more shifts, just an appliance you wear at night.
You’re Not Alone
Getting and wearing braces can feel like an isolating experience but you are not alone in your journey, and you’re in good company when it comes to wearing a retainer too. Every patient whose path you cross has thought about retainers or already wears a retainer – and you know how each other feels. Sometimes simply recognizing that you have this major thing in common is enough to ease your mind.
You Aren’t Wearing Braces Anymore!
When your orthodontic work is officially over, all you need to do now is maintain the status quo. Oh, and you don’t have to wear braces anymore! If you were held captive by brackets and wires for months and years, bedtime retainer wear is convenient, easy, and quickly becomes part of your nightly routine. Plus, you have freedom to eat what you want when you aren’t sporting metal mouth any longer.
Retainers Are for Everyone
Whether adult or teen, anyone who has completed active treatment for braces or Invisalign will soon find themselves with a customized retainer. Now, you really do the maintenance work for your teeth on your own, a responsibility your dentist hopes you take seriously so your aligned smile can stay straight, beautiful, and healthy forever. Learn more about Invisalign, braces, and retainers. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mariana at her orthodontic office in Monroe, WA.
