Your Orthodontic Treatment Is Over…Now What?
Why Retention?
The day the braces come off is an amazing day for any orthodontic patient, but don’t get ahead of yourself, because now that you have the smile you’ve always wanted, you have to keep it. That means wearing your retainers as instructed by Dr. Khatibian. The reason we need retainers in order to keep our teeth in their post-braces position is that it takes time for our teeth, gums, and jaw bones to get used to this new arrangement. So don’t slack off on wearing your retainers!
Removable Retainers
Several distinct types of retainers are available. Those designed to be removed — whether constructed from wire and acrylic or clear plastic — offer the straightforward benefit of being taken out, which considerably simplifies cleaning both the appliance itself and the teeth. That same removability, however, introduces the possibility of forgetting to reinsert them, or misplacing them entirely after removing them for a meal.
Non-Removable Retainers
Bonded retainers consist of a thin wire strip cemented to the lingual surface of the teeth, holding them in the position established after orthodontic treatment. Because they are fixed in place, they continuously prevent the teeth from drifting back toward their pre-treatment alignment, though their placement can complicate flossing in the affected areas. For patients who are concerned about the consistency of wearing a removable appliance, a bonded retainer may be a suitable option.
Pearly Dental Care Can Help You Keep Your Perfect Post-Braces Smile
Dr. Khatibian will help you determine which type of retainer will be best to suit your treatment needs and comfort. If you have any questions about retention or the types of retainers available, just give us a call at our Sunnyvale office at (408) 774-1200 or our San Jose office at (408) 300-0767 or send us an email.
