Retainers: the truth
OK, so you’ve just had your braces removed and your smile looks great.
You want to keep it that way, right?
That’s why your orthodontist will have you wear retainers.
Can you see the plastic retainers?
You teeth want to go back to their old crooked positions. So if you don’t wear you retainer you will find that your teeth will slowly become crooked again. Maybe not as crooked as they were before you started treatment, but definitely to some degree.
There are two types of retainer that I fit:
The first, a fixed one, is a super thin wire that is glued to the backs of your teeth.
The second is a plastic removable one, which looks like a very tight fitting clear plastic gum shield.
Re-moveable retainers need to be worn EVERY night, and you will need new ones EVERY year. If you stop wearing them your teeth will begin to go crooked.
If you don’t have your fixed retainer monitored by your family dentist you may find that it has become detached, and there is every likelihood that you teeth will begin to go crooked again.
So how long do you need to wear a removable retainer for, and have a fixed retainer glued to the backs of your teeth for?
The answer is simple: for as long as you want to have straight teeth.
From time to time I have patients return to me complaining that their teeth have become crooked again, normally teenagers, and they swear that they have been wearing their retainer.
So is it possible for your teeth to go crooked even if you wear yours at night as directed?
We provide a year of follow up care, so if there is a problem we will catch it and manage it.
Wearing your retainer as directed will usually keep your teeth straight. However, in some very rare cases teeth can move even if you wear your retainer EVERY night. If you notice any movement contact your family dentist immediately. He or she will refer you back to your orthodontist if required.
However, for the majority of patients who have suffered from some form of relapse after a course of treatment, its because they have simply not worn theirs…… for a long time, months, years.
So what can be done if you’re in that position?
You can wear braces again for a short period of time. Or, we can provide you with a special set of plastic aligners that move your teeth back into position over time.
Both of these options will carry a charge.
But you can avoid re-treatment if you: wear yours as directed, and look after them.
So in short: if you don’t wear your retainers your teeth will move.
Its simple really.
To book an appointment with Dr Perry please email info@castleknockorthodontics.ie
Or visit us at Dental house
Opening April 2016
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