After your braces come off, you probably think that’s the end of your orthodontic treatment. However, in order to ensure your teeth remain straight, you’ll need a retainer. Retainers, while a bit cumbersome at first, are hugely important in making sure that all the work you and Dr. Christopher Liang did together to get your smile straight doesn’t come undone.
With that in mind, let’s examine exactly why you need a retainer after your braces are removed.
There will still be some residual tension lingering in the periodontal ligaments that anchor your teeth in their sockets. This tension could potentially pull your teeth out of their new positions. To prevent this from happening, your orthodontist will fit you for a retainer. This is usually done immediately after your braces have been removed.
There are a few different types of retainers available. The most common type is known as a Hawley retainer, which is named after its inventor, Dr. Charles Hawley. If your orthodontist feels you are a candidate for another style of retainer, they will discuss your options with you.
You will need to wear the retainer for a specific amount of time each day. As the residual tension in the periodontal ligaments starts to subside, Dr. Christopher Liang might adjust the time that you need to use the retainer. In most cases, you will need to use a retainer for the same amount of time it took to realign your teeth with braces.
If you have any other retainer questions, or need other information, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at 301-983-3132.