Retainers are used after braces are removed to maintain the position of your teeth. They can be used on the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both. They are custom-made to fit your mouth to help you achieve the perfect smile.

Maintain Your New Smile

Once you complete your orthodontic procedure, it’s time to enjoy life after braces! To maintain your new smile, you will need to wear retainers. Although it sounds unpleasant to wear them, there are many benefits of wearing retainers after you finish treatment.

• First, retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment because they keep your teeth in place. You may have had braces for years, but your teeth can still shift throughout your lifetime. Once you have worn your retainer at night for several years, your teeth will be secure in their new positions.
• Second, removable retainers make it easier to clean your teeth. Once your teeth are straighter than before, they are less likely to get food and plaque stuck in them. However, when you wear a retainer, you can still clean your teeth normally.
• Finally, wearing a retainer will ensure that your teeth stay straight over time. When your fixed or bonded retainer wears off, you can still get the same benefits by wearing a removable one. This will keep your smile looking great for years to come.

Prevent Teeth Shifting

Wearing your retainer after braces or Invisalign treatment is the best way to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original location. While wearing your retainer may not feel as good as it did when you first got it, it’s the best way to make sure your teeth stay straight.

The amount of time you’ll need to wear your retainer will vary from person to person and will depend on how crooked your teeth were, to begin with, and how diligent you are about wearing the retainer as instructed by your orthodontist. If you notice that your teeth are not staying in a place like they should, be sure to talk to your orthodontist as soon as possible.

Preserve Your Investment

When braces are removed, the teeth begin moving back into their original positions. However, this doesn’t mean that your teeth will stay in their new alignment forever. Teeth can still shift back out of position naturally over time without proper retainer wear. That’s why it’s essential to wear your retainer as directed to keep teeth in place and your smile looking its best!

At Omana Orthodontics, we always go over your after-care instructions in great detail before you leave the office. We also provide you with a removable retainer that you generally need to wear every night for the first year after your braces come off. After that year is up, you’ll likely only need to wear the retainer a few nights a week to maintain good dental health. 

Protect Your Oral Health

If you value your beautiful, straight smile and don’t want to lose it to tooth decay and gum disease, then wearing retainers is a wise thing to do. In fact, it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your smile!

Consult an experienced specialist like Omana Orthodontics today from your nearest location for your retainers.