When you come to Boerne Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, you’ll find some of the most effective orthodontics around featuring a wide array of high-quality treatments. Your Boerne orthodontist, Dr. James VandeBerg, is proud to go above and beyond to give you the compassionate orthodontic care that you deserve throughout your entire orthodontic treatment…and this even includes after your braces come off. It’s important to remember that the whole orthodontic process isn’t quite over after your braces are removed. There’s one vital step left – the retention phase. We’d like to explain why this is so important and why you should always wear your retainer after you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment.
Why You
Need a Retainer
Retainers play a critical role in orthodontic treatment because they “retain” the position that braces and other orthodontics worked to create. While braces will gradually move your teeth into their proper alignment, retainers will hold them in their new positions. If a retainer isn’t used after orthodontic treatment is finished, your teeth will be susceptible to shifting back into misalignment. Wearing a retainer will give your teeth structure and stability, helping to ensure that you don’t lose the great progress that occurred during orthodontic treatment.
Types of Retainers
There are a few types of retainers that are typically used: These are as follows:
- Bonded Retainers: These are also known as permanent retainers. This is because, much like braces, they’re cemented directly onto your teeth. Instead of being on the front of your teeth, these are cemented directly on the inside surface of your lower canines
- Hawley Retainers: The Hawley retainer is the most common type of retainer. It’s made of acrylic and metal wires that will wrap around a number of your teeth to keep them from moving.
- Essix Retainers: If you’re familiar with Invisalign, then you’ll know how Essix retainers work. These are clear, plastic, removable retainers that slide on over an entire arch of teeth to keep them stable – just the same as Invisalign!
How Long Will a
Retainer Need to Be Worn?
Unfortunately, there’s no set answer as to how long retainers will need to be worn; it varies from patient to patient. Your Boerne orthodontist will likely recommend that you wear your retainer as often as possible for the first few months to a year. After that, it’s typically best to keep wearing the retainers every night for an indefinite period of time.
Come Visit Your
Boerne Orthodontist!
If you’re interested in scheduling a visit with your Boerne orthodontist, Dr. VandeBerg, we encourage you to give us a call at (830) 521-2057. Alternatively, you can fill out our appointment request form to schedule a visit through our website. We look forward to hearing from you!