Orthodontic Retainers: Helping to Keep Your Teeth Straight
What Are They? Retainers are a custom-made appliance which is used after a patient has finished their teeth straightening treatment. Once your teeth have moved into the desired position, it’s crucial to use retainers as a follow-up to ensure your teeth do not revert to their original positioning. Retainers are also frequently used to treat minor orthodontic issues , as they are not very invasive and almost invisible. Depending on your teeth your dentists could suggest a removable retainer, a retainer that is bonded to the back of your teeth, or even a combination of both. As all of our teeth are unique, some patients may start with one type of retainer, and depending on how their teeth respond to it over time, they could be advised to switch to a different retainer down the line. After your teeth straightening treatment has finished, most patients will be advised to wear their retainer continuously throughout the day for the first six months, to ensure their teeth do not