The Importance of Wearing Your Retainer

In most cases, a retainer helps patients maintain their smile straight after removing their braces. It’s also required in some cases to prevent teeth from shifting. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the importance of retainers and how they can help maintain one’s smile after removing braces.

What is a Retainer?

An orthodontic retainer is a custom-made device that’s designed to help keep your teeth in their original positions and prevent them from shifting back into place after your braces have been removed. It’s also important to remember that people who have previously undergone treatment for braces or Invisalign need to wear one.

Is a Retainer Necessary?

Our mouth is designed to hold our teeth firmly in place. The mouth’s multiple tissues and ligaments help keep these teeth in their original positions. When you undergo treatment for braces, these connections can become loose, and new positions are formed.

If these connections aren’t appropriately supported after your treatment has concluded, your teeth may shift back to their previous positions. This is the only way to prevent this issue.

Is a Retainer Forever?

Depending on the type of treatment you’re receiving, this will vary between patients. It’s also essential to follow the instructions of your doctor. Most dentists believe that patients should wear retainers for at least one year. However, some doctors strongly suggest that their patients wear them at night.

Types of Retainers

A fixed retainer: is made of a wire that’s cemented to the back of your teeth. It can be used for either the top or the bottom position. An experienced dentist can only remove the wire.

A removable retainer: can be easily removed when you need to eat or brush your teeth. These are usually worn for around three months after removing your teeth and only at night. Your doctor will discuss the retainer’s specifications and how long it should be worn.

Conclusion

If you want the best possible smile after removing your braces, you must wear retainers. You should only visit a reputable dental clinic to check your teeth thoroughly and choose the best type of retainer.

About Dr. Christopher Zed

A respected professional with over 25 years of experience in dental health care, Dr. Christopher Zed is a Dental Surgeon and the owner of Bayview Lonsdale Dental in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Dr. Zed’s philosophy on dental care is focused on patient-centered treatment. This means that each patient has a say in their treatment plan. By utilizing a collaborative approach, Dr. Zed is able to provide information to patients that allows them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. When presented with a difficult decision, Dr. Zed provides his expert opinion, but always takes into account what the patient’s situation is.

Throughout his career, Dr. Zed has always stood confidently in the face of adversity. His personal mission is to provide excellent care to his patients, regardless of the difficulties that stand in his way. In fact, according to Dr. Christopher Zed, “it only energizes me to persevere and never play the victim.” Dr. Zed understands that growth comes from adversity, and he embraces the changes in his life that have happened due to overcoming obstacles. This sentiment has allowed him to pursue a rich career in dentistry, as his can-do spirit pushes him to succeed.

When Dr. Christopher Zed is not practicing dentistry, he enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying a multitude of hobbies. Whether he is relaxing with his 4 children, playing backgammon and cribbage, or connecting with the great outdoors, Dr. Zed appreciates the downtime he has to rejuvenate after a long day.