Life with Retainers: Blessing or Burden?
Retainers are an orthodontic appliance which are molded and fabricated to fit each individual patient’s mouth after braces. Once the braces are removed, a retainer is the only way to keep your teeth straight. A retainer is made to hold your teeth in its new position and also to prevent the shifting or rotating of your teeth back toward their prior original position. They may however feel little different when speaking for a while, and you may also find more saliva in your mouth than usual. So, is life with wearing a retainer a blessing or a burden? Although it may require a little time to get used to, if you do not wear retainers after ortho treatment then your teeth may shift back toward the way they were before. There are various types of retainer that your orthodontist may prescribe depending on your dental health and oral hygiene:
- Hawley retainer
Hawley retainer also known as a wire retainer is a removable retainer which consists of custom-molded hard plastic material that fits against the palate of the mouth. The palate will be attached to the metal wire that goes round the front of your teeth. The plastic material can be available in various different colors. - Essix retainers
These retainers are also a clear retainer typically made of clear plastic. Since these retainers are invisible unlike hawley retainers, many people opt for essix retainers. Hawley retainer touches the roof of your mouth whereas an essix retainer fits over your teeth providing more comfortability. - Permanent bonded retainer
This type of retainer is made of a wire that is bonded to the backside of your teeth which makes them invisible. With this retainer you will not have to worry about them getting lost or being thrown out accidentally. A permanent bonded retainer can last for a long period of time.
Why is it important to regularly wear your retainers?
It is important to wear your retainer after braces regularly except when eating or brushing your teeth. If you do not wear your retainer at all times then movement of the teeth may occur. Do not keep your retainer in a napkin or in your pocket when they are not being worn instead keep them in a retainer case as there can be a risk of them breaking or losing. Here’s why it is so important to wear your retainer on a regular basis:
Teeth are not the only things that are aligned to different positions; your gums and bones in your mouth will also need to be aligned in those new positions as well. Wearing your retainer regularly will help your gums and bones to realign which also further stabilizes your new bite.
Wearing your retainer every night can help ensure that you always have the perfect gorgeous grin.
Regular wearing will help prevent your teeth from shifting to its prior position.
Wearing a retainer on a regular basis is even more important for teenagers as they are still growing which means their jaws are likely to change throughout adolescence.