What Happens After Braces?
You are almost to the end of wearing braces. What now? Or perhaps you are considering braces and want to know what to expect after you would have your braces removed. All of the above are excellent questions that Escondido Dental Group and Orthodontics would like to answer.
The Retention Phase
Once braces are removed, your teeth want to go back to their original position. To combat this, you need a way to retain the progress your teeth have made. This is why a retainer is vital!
How Long Will I Wear a Retainer?
As is stated on our website, “Retainers are worn for varying amounts of time, depending on the type of orthodontic treatment and the age of the patient. Perseverance and commitment are required to make this final stage of treatment successful. If the retainer is not worn as directed by the orthodontist, treatment can fail or take much longer than anticipated.”
What Type of Retainers Are Available to Me?
You will find the following on our informative website:
· Hawley retainer – The Hawley retainer consists of a metal wire on an acrylic arch. The metal wire may be periodically adjusted by the orthodontist to ensure the teeth stay in the desired position. The acrylic arch is designed to fit comfortably on the lingual walls or palate of the mouth.
· Essix – The Essix retainer is the most commonly used vacuum formed retainer (VFR). A mold is initially made of the teeth in their new alignment, and then clear PVC trays are created to fit over the arch in its entirety. VFR’s are much cheaper than many other types of retainers and also do not affect the aesthetic appearance of the smile in the same way as the Hawley retainer. The disadvantage of VFR’s is that they break and scratch more easily than other types of retainers.
· Fixed retainers – A fixed retainer is somewhat similar to a lingual brace in that it is affixed to the tongue side of a few teeth. Usually, a fixed retainer is used in cases where there has been either rapid or substantial movement of the teeth. It usually consists of a single wire. The inclination of the teeth to move rapidly means they are also more likely to regress back to their previous position if a fixed retainer is not placed.
As you can see, wearing a retainer is a vital step to maintaining the progress your teeth have made and for keeping that new, beautiful smile. If you have any questions about Orthodontics at Escondido Dental Group or regarding anything else, please call us! (760) 233-2260