Congratulations on completing your braces journey! While it's an exciting milestone, it's crucial to understand that maintaining the results involves a critical next step: wearing your retainer.
As an Invisalign and braces dentist in Aurora, CO, Dr. Holly Baller wants to help you understand why retainers are indispensable and how they help preserve your newly straightened smile.
Why Are Retainers So Important?
After orthodontic treatment, your teeth naturally tend to shift back to their original positions. This is known as orthodontic relapse and occurs because the ligaments and tissues surrounding your teeth maintain a "memory" of their previous position. Wearing a retainer helps prevent this regression and keeps your teeth properly aligned.
Types of Retainers We Offer
Removable Clear Retainers
Custom-fitted, transparent retainers are virtually invisible and provide excellent retention for newly aligned teeth. They're comfortable, easy to clean, and allow you to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Traditional Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are made of durable acrylic and wire, making them adjustable and long-lasting. This type of retainer is more visible but highly effective at maintaining tooth alignment. We can also customize them with different colors and designs based on your preference.
Fixed or Permanent Retainers
These wire retainers are bonded to the back of your teeth. One benefit is that they provide continuous protection against shifting, and you don’t have to remember to wear them. This type of retainer is particularly effective for maintaining alignment in the lower front teeth.
Do You Need an Orthodontic Retainer?
Remember, your journey to a straighter smile doesn't end when your braces come off—it's just entering a new phase. Think of your retainer as insurance for your orthodontic investment; the cost is minimal compared to the potential expense and effort of repeated orthodontic treatment if your teeth shift out of alignment.
At Baller Dental & Ortho in Aurora, we're committed to helping you maintain your beautiful smile for life. If you have questions about retainers or need to schedule a checkup, call us at (720) 653-3223. Proper retainer use and regular dental care allow you to enjoy your beautifully aligned teeth for many years.