Here’s What You Don’t Know About Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment has a follow-through stage called the retention phase. The retention phase involves wearing teeth retainers. While many individuals discount the importance of teeth retainers, wearing retainers is essential to keeping your teeth aligned after orthodontic treatment. Retainers can be irritating to wear. However, the minor inconvenience is incomparable to wearing braces all over again. If you are looking for a minimal inconvenience retainer in Flushing, then consider House of Braces. The dentists at House of Braces customize retainers to meet your aesthetic and functionality needs.

What is a Retainer?

Retainers are custom-made appliances that keep teeth from reverting to their original misaligned position. Retainers come in different materials and vary according to the method of fixing. Fixed retainers limit abrupt shifting of teeth round the clock, while removable retainers hold teeth in place only for a specified period.

Clear plastic retainers have gained popularity as the number one solution to post-care orthodontic treatment. Plastic retainers fit snugly on your teeth, imparting comfort. Plastic retainers are virtually invisible and allow displaying your natural enamel color.

Is a Retainer Necessary?

Retainers are absolutely necessary unless you want to undergo the toils of metal braces all over again. It is common to grind and clench teeth in agitated situations. While grinding teeth deviate focus from nervous situations, it shifts the teeth’s aligned position. Any other small force causes small shifts in alignment.  These small shifts develop into bigger shifts over time. Retainers protect your teeth’s surface, hence preventing these shifts from occurring. Patients with crooked teeth reschedule dental appointments when misalignment occurs. If you wear teeth retainers 100 percent of the time, there is zero error your teeth will be displaced. One major advantage of removable retainers is that you can remove them while eating or drinking and later wear them without reversing the positive effects of braces.

How to Clean Your Retainers

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a complete overhaul of your oral hygiene routine. However, minor adjustments are crucial to ensure retainers’ efficacy. Cleaning fixed retainers vary from how you would clean a removable retainer. For bonded retainers, angle your toothbrush horizontally and vertically to clean plaque around your retainer trays. Regular flossing is pivotal to prevent dental infections. Initially, flossing may require some practice, but you’ll get the hang of it with expert help. Removable retainers require specialized cleaning products. Lukewarm water will suffice in the absence of a retainer’s specific cleaner. However, do not boil the retainer to sterilize it. Regular dentist appointments at House of Braces ensure your retainers are well cleaned and correctly aligned. Follow Dr. Yon Lai’s advice on how to clean retainers for better outcomes.

Takeaway

As with most dental treatment procedures, maintenance is key. Plastic retainers determine the outcome of braces. It is imperative to wear braces during the retention phase for guaranteed teeth alignment. Schedule a visit today at House of Braces to ensure your gorgeous teeth stay where they need to be.