How Long Should Retainers Be Worn Following Orthodontic Treatment?
Using braces to move the teeth into the desired position is time-consuming. For some patients, the entire course of treatment takes months or even years. Most people start counting the days until their braces can be removed after treatment. However, orthodontic treatment does not end when the braces are taken out. After one’s braces are removed, one will still need to wear retainers for a few more months. Retainers are specialized, custom devices designed to hold the teeth in place. Following orthodontic treatment, they are frequently prescribed to maintain the bite in its corrected or reshaped position. While wearing a retainer can be uncomfortable sometimes, it is not as bad as having braces placed again.
This article will cover detailed information about retainers, including their types, how they work, how long to wear them, and how to keep them clean. To make this post informative, we have gathered insights from Dr. Ravneet Kaur, a renowned orthodontist known for offering the best braces treatment in Delhi. Continue reading to learn.
Types of Retainers
One could get two types of retainers: fixed and removable, depending on one’s dental condition. Alternatively, the orthodontist may advise applying one to one’s upper teeth and one to their lower teeth. For best results, the orthodontist will advise when and how long to wear the retainer, regardless of the chosen type.
- Removable Retainer
After getting braces, one usually wears this retainer full-time for four months to a year, taking it out only to brush or eat. The orthodontist will decide whether to wear the retainer longer than the recommended time. Even if the orthodontist sees no movement of the teeth after wearing it for the defined time, they may still recommend the patient wear the retainer exclusively at night to maintain the stability of their straightened teeth. Depending on one's teeth, this may endure indefinitely or for a few more months or years.
- Fixed Retainer
When using a fixed retainer, one does not need to remember to replace it after brushing or eating. If the retainer is bonded, one must wear it daily and at night. One may need to wear this retainer for a longer period of time—perhaps years—because it is bonded to the teeth in a discreet location, typically the back of the teeth. Fixed retainers cannot be taken out while eating, so if one does not practice strict oral hygiene, periodontal problems may develop. But because these retainers maintain the stability of teeth all the time, one has a better chance of keeping all the advantages they give them.
How do Retainers Work?
Braces are used to realign the teeth by moving them into a new position. However, this new position will not immediately completely fix the teeth. For the teeth to be supported in their new position, it will take some time for the muscles, gums, and bones surrounding them to develop.
One may cause malocclusion, or misaligned teeth, by applying force to their teeth during routine activities like chewing food, which could cause them to return to their original position. This type of tooth shifting can be prevented by wearing retainers after taking out the braces.
For How Long Does One Have to Wear Retainers?
It really depends on one’s particular circumstances. The orthodontist will assess the patient's teeth following treatment to determine the kind of retainer they require. While some patients receive fixed retainers, others only receive removable ones. In certain situations, one might begin their post-treatment with a fixed retainer and then, following the treatment, switch to a removable one. Additionally, some patients receive both simultaneously (one for the bottom teeth and one for the upper teeth).
The length of time one must wear retainers will depend on which type of retainer the orthodontist suggests. Patients who are prescribed removable retainers are expected to wear them religiously for the first three to six months after receiving them. Wearing the retainer is recommended for a minimum of 22 hours every day. It should only be taken off when one needs to eat, floss, or brush teeth.
Following this initial phase, the orthodontist will assess the patient's state before treatment by looking at their teeth. If there is no noticeable movement after the allotted time, the orthodontist will approve wearing retainers only at night to keep the teeth stable. Once the initial treatment is over, this usually lasts for a few months or years. However, to keep their teeth straight at night, some people might need to wear a retainer forever. One might eventually not need it as much because their teeth will move more slowly as one gets older, but one might not be able to completely stop wearing a retainer.
Tips to Care for the Retainers
Experts like Dr. Ravneet Kaur, a well-known orthodontist in Delhi, suggest the following tips to take care of the retainers.
- For Removable Retainers
- One must keep the retainer in its case only whenever it is not in use. Additionally, carry the retainer case at all times.
- Retainers should not be near heat sources or animals.
- As the orthodontist directs, clean the retainer by brushing it or soaking it in a denture-cleaning solution.
- When wearing a retainer, one should only drink water because other liquids could get trapped between the retainer and the teeth and cause decay.
- For Fixed Retainers
- Make sure to use an interproximal toothbrush to remove any plaque and tartar that may accumulate around fixed retainers, in addition to regular brushing and flossing.
Conclusion
Read More:
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- Clear Aligners And Invisible Braces – The New Normal!
- Diy Aligners (Do It At Your Own Risk)
- Lets Talk Money – What is the usual cost of braces and clear aligners!
- Conventional vs Self Locking braces – What to choose?
- Orthodontic Treatment: Options Galore
- Brushing Techniques For Children
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