Once your braces are off, you’re not finished with your orthodontic treatment. You’ll still need to wear your retainer and to do so on a regular basis. Retainers help keep all the ligaments that hold your teeth in place from relapsing out of place after your braces from Dr. John R. Schouten have moved them into the desired position.
With that in mind, let’s look at the different types of retainers that exist and which one may be the best for you and your smile’s needs.
Using a retainer in some form will help you hold your teeth in place until the periodontal tension subsides. There are three different types of retainers that your orthodontist, Dr. John R. Schouten, might recommend. The one that is right for you will depend on a couple of different factors.
A Hawley-style retainer is the most common type of retainer. This is a thin, tongue-shaped piece of acrylic that is custom fit to the shape of your mouth. The retainer is removable. When it’s in your mouth, it is secured by a set of wires that lock onto specific teeth.
A clear, plastic retainer might be needed if you only needed braces for a short period of time and if your smile only required minor realignment. It’s hard for the casual observer to even notice you’re wearing the retainer.
If your upper or lower teeth needed significant realignment by your braces, then Dr. John R. Schouten might need to install a fixed retainer behind the pertinent teeth. This is a sturdy metal band that is cemented in place.
If you have any questions about retainers, please feel free to call us today at 801.491.9372 for more information.
