After about two years of wearing braces, it’s exciting to finally have them removed and to get a glimpse of your new smile.
Take a look at what else you can expect in your life after braces.
To remove braces, the orthodontist breaks the bond that holds the brackets onto each tooth. A cleaning tool is then used to polish away any remaining adhesive from the teeth.
Once the braces are off, care for your new smile doesn’t stop there. In fact, retainers after braces are a crucial part of orthodontic treatment. Usually, you can expect to wear your retainer at all times for the first while after having your braces removed. Then, you may be able to switch to night time wear only.
The important thing to remember is that not wearing a retainer according to your orthodontist’s instructions can mean teeth and jaws may slowly begin to move back to their pre-braces positions. In order to create a retainer, orthodontists will have taken another mould of your teeth. Retainers can be either fixed or removable. Fixed retainers are permanently applied to teeth, while removeable retainers can be taken out for eating, brushing and flossing. Whenever these types of retainers are removed, it’s important to store them carefully in theirn case so they are not damaged or lost.
1. Hawley retainers
The most common types of retainers. They are made up of a plastic base, customized to fit the shape of the patient’s mouth, and wires that fit around the teeth. The wires help to hold the teeth in place and prevent them from growing back to their original position.
2. Essix retainers
These tray-like devices are worn over the teeth. They are clear and can be appealing for cosmetic reasons.
3. A permanent or bonded retainer
This is a customized wire that an orthodontist glues to the back of teeth. It is meant to last for years and should only be removed by an orthodontist.
It’s best to consult with your orthodontist to determine which type of retainer will work best for you, as well as for tips and products on how to keep retainers clean.
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