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A lot of people think that once they take off their braces or Invisalign trays, they don't need to wear any other device on their teeth. But, even if your orthodontic treatment is completed and your teeth reach their desired position, you will still have to wear a retainer.
Why, for how long, and is it uncomfortable?
We will answer all these questions below.
A retainer is a custom-made device that holds the teeth in position after your orthodontic treatment has been completed.
It's a crucial part of the treatment that will ensure your newly improved smile will remain straight. And here's why:
The gum tissue has elastic memory, which means that it tends to pull the teeth back to where they were originally. Retainers will hold the teeth in their new positions while the bone around the teeth stabilizes.
We can't give an exact answer as the duration will depend on factors such as the type of orthodontic treatment, your age, and so on.
On average, most patients have to wear a retainer continuously for a few months after the orthodontic appliances have been removed. This will help the bones and tissues surrounding the teeth to adjust to their new positions.
After this initial period, you may be able to switch to wearing the retainer only at night. Although, as we said, how long you need to wear your retainer depends on your specific case, we usually recommend wearing the retainer at night forever. We understand that this can be quite a commitment, so wearing it a few nights a week indefinitely can ensure that your teeth stay in their optimal positions,
You may experience some discomfort when you start wearing the retainer as your mouth and teeth adjust to it. This pressure should fade away on its own in a few days.
You may also find it a bit challenging to speak clearly with your retainer at first. Take your time to practice speaking with a retainer and you will see that things will improve in time.
If you're experiencing severe or persistent pain, get in touch with your dentist so they can check if your retainer is fitting properly and make any necessary adjustments.
At Kyle Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic treatment for kids, teens, and adults. You can also opt between traditional braces and Invisalign. Dr. Tessler will assist you from the beginning until the end to ensure that you receive the best treatment for your needs and personalized care.
If you are ready to improve the appearance of your smile and straighten your teeth, you should get in touch with Kyle Orthodontics for an initial consultation.
You can contact us online or call us at 512-861-0551.