Are the most common recommendation for many patients. Their brackets are fixed on the front of each tooth. The links between each bracket are made with wires.
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Are you preparing to take your dental braces off?
After wearing teeth braces for an extended period, you will feel relieved to remove them finally.
Retainers are the next phase in your orthodontic treatment whether you want it to be completed or not. Since teeth move all your life, you will need retainers to maintain a charming smile. After using orthodontic braces, the retainers will help you keep your teeth straight and ensure that you chew the food correctly.
Each orthodontic problem is different and needs personalized treatment. Thus, the period for which you will have to wear a retainer differs from one person to another. So read this article and find out more about the correct use of retainers and braces for straight teeth.
Why orthodontic braces and retainers go together?
Both braces and retainers are an essential part of any orthodontic treatment. Therefore, before thinking about how long you should wear them, it is necessary to understand more about their utility and benefits.
There are different braces for teeth, which can be divided into four categories:
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Fixed braces
Are the most common recommendation for many patients. Their brackets are fixed on the front of each tooth. The links between each bracket are made with wires. -
Removable braces
An orthodontic plan which uses removable braces such as Invisalign corrects minor problems. They come in the form of plastic transparent braces which are placed on the roof of the mouth and fitted to your teeth and can be easily taken out.
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Lingual braces
These braces are like fixed metal braces but are fixed to the inside of the teeth, not the outside where they’re clearly visible.
The retainers are strongly connected to the types of braces you wear. Thus, there are two types of retainers that your orthodontist might recommend for you
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Permanent or fixed retainers
They are usually made of copper, nickel, or titanium. You will also find fixed retainers made of a combination of these metals. The treatment with these retainers lasts for as long as your orthodontist recommends. This also applies for the orthodontic treatment as a child, to ensure the best possible outcome.
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Removable retainers retainers
To ensure easy removal, these retainers are made of plastic, polyurethane, or acrylic and can be worn when convenient, but the orthodontist will provide detailed instructions on how to use them effectively.
What do retainers do?
Depending on your orthodontic problems, your dentist might recommend two types of retainers. A passive retainer is the one that follows once you remove the braces. As you will have a new dental structure, the orthodontist will recommend you a retainer which fits the corrected structure.
Your teeth move along throughout your whole life. So, the retainer will keep them in the same place and prevent any significant malocclusions in the future.
Orthodontists use active retainers for teeth strengthening.
In case you have minor issues, you don’t need to invest your money in braces. The active retainers will do a great job as they are designed to move the teeth in the correct position.
This option is also very efficient after having used braces but no passive retainer. Thus, when your dentist notices a shift in your teeth, he will recommend an active retainer to fix the problem quickly.
How much do retainers and dental braces cost?
The dental braces costs depend on your orthodontic problem.
Usually, dentists personalize each treatment according to their patient’s needs.
The braces will roughly be estimated at the following prices:
The final cost of retainers also depends on the type.
How long should I wear braces and retainers?
The orthodontist will evaluate your dental health and recommend a particular type of braces and length of time for which you have to wear them.
In general, people wear braces for up to 24 months, depending on the severity. However, some adults or kids have to wear them for three or four years in serious cases.
When it comes to retainers, the length of treatments depends on the type of appliance you must wear. For instance, permanent retainers should ideally be worn for the rest of the patient’s life.
Orthodontists recommend Hawley retainers to be worn for one to twenty years, while patients use the Essix models for six to twelve months.
Even though braces are not the most comfortable appliances, it is important to wear them if you want to have a spectacular smile.
In case you experience irritation or pain inside your gums while wearing them, you can use dental wax for braces to alleviate the discomfort. You should also inform your orthodontist immediately and tell them about your symptoms. Considering that you will wear braces for an extended period, you should feel as comfortable as possible.
Braces and retainers are equally important for the perfect smile
Both retainers and braces are essential for a radiant smile. Moreover, you shouldn’t forget that when you have straight teeth, you will be able to clean them easier.
So, straightening your teeth will improve your dental health and prevent any dental and orthodontic problems in the future.
Following the recommendations of your Muswell Hill orthodontist is vital as well as regular visits to ensure all the time and money you have invested in achieving a nicer teeth alignment doesn’t go to waste.