There is no doubt that clear aligners are a great way to straighten teeth and improve the appearance of your smile, but it is important to ensure they remain straight after treatment is over. Whether braces or clear aligners are used, teeth have a tendency to try and shift back to their original position, and a retainer helps to ensure tooth shifting does not take place.
It can be helpful to know exactly what role a retainer plays in the clear aligners process to understand the importance of wearing it properly. The following is a complete overview of what a retainer is and why and how long it should be worn to ensure teeth remain straight and do not shift back after treatment.
A retainer is an orthodontic device that is used to keep teeth in position after teeth straightening treatment. There are different types of retainers, and they are either composed of plastic or a metal wire. Each retainer is fully customized for the specific individual who will be wearing it, and they should fit comfortably into place.
Most orthodontists require their patients to wear a retainer after their clear aligners are no longer needed. The reason this is almost always a necessity is that the teeth have taken on a new position both in a visible manner and underneath the jaw bone where the root of the tooth exists. The supporting structures of the teeth, which include the gums and underlying bone, need to adjust to the new alignment. If given the opportunity, the teeth may begin to shift back into their original position naturally. Eventually, the bone forms more appropriately around the position of the teeth and wearing a retainer often becomes less of a necessity.
The length of time a retainer needs to be worn may vary slightly for each patient, and the orthodontist should provide detailed information on how and how often to wear the device. In most instances, the first retainer should be worn as much as possible, and the length of time the retainer should be worn each day decreases as time progresses. Many orthodontists suggest the patient wear his or her retainer for years after treatment, although after a certain time period, only wearing it while the patient sleeps is likely enough to keep the teeth in their proper position.
The worst thing that can happen to a patient who completes the clear aligners process is for them to have their teeth shift back to their original position. A great way to avoid this is to wear a retainer after clear aligner treatment. If you need a retainer after teeth straightening or are interested in clear aligners treatment, call our Rensselaer office to learn more or to schedule a consultation with us.
Request an appointment here: https://dtuckerdental.com or call Douglas J. Tucker, DMD at (518) 414-3990 for an appointment in our Rensselaer office.
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