Why should I wear a retainer after having my braces removed?

retainers

If you are someone who has recently had their braces removed, your dentist may have recommended the use of a retainer. A teeth retainer is a dental device that is placed in your mouth to keep your teeth straight. Typically, braces are placed on your teeth to correct your smile and straighten your crooked teeth. Once they have moved into the correct positions and the braces are removed, a teeth retainer will help prevent your teeth from reverting to their original places. Keep reading to learn about the different types of teeth retainers you may be required to wear and discover how our skilled general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ can help you keep your teeth perfectly aligned. 

What is a retainer?

A teeth retainer is a custom-made dental device that can be removable or permanent. This type of dental appliance is typically made of metal and plastic. There are two types of retainers a dentist may recommend wearing to keep your teeth straight. Fixed or permanent retainers are made of wires that are glued to the backside of your bottom teeth and/or the back side of your front teeth. The fixed wire holds your teeth in their position, preventing your teeth from shifting. After you have had your braces removed, there is always a potential risk your teeth will shift back to their original place. A permanent retainer will help prevent crooked teeth. There are several benefits to having a permanent retainer as you do not have to remember to wear it as it stays in your mouth. With that being said, the other type of teeth retainer that a dentist may recommend using is removable. These retainers as their name suggests are removable, meaning they can be taken out at any point. They are made of clear hard plastic. There are top and bottom retainers, however, a dentist could recommend just using a bottom or top one depending on your specific needs. These retainers are usually taken out to eat. Some people only need to wear a removable retainer while they sleep. It is important to note that in most cases removable retainers are used to hold the top teeth while permanent retainers are used to hold the bottom teeth in place. For the most part, however, a dentist will usually recommend using a combination of both types of retainers to keep your teeth in the correct position after having your braces off.

Ultimately, there are several advantages to using a retainer. Wearing a teeth retainer will ensure your teeth stay perfectly aligned. If you are someone who is considering a fixed or removable retainer, please don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with one of our trusted and dedicated dentists. Our team will help you prevent your teeth from shifting after having your braces removed.

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