Life After Braces-Retention Phase
The big moment every orthodontic patient looks forward to is the day their braces are removed. Their teeth and mouth are finally free of brackets and wires and it’s smooth sailing from here on out. Remember though, life after braces also involves a retention phase. If you want to keep that aligned smile you worked so hard for, follow the rules of Dr. Mariana Orthodontics and wear your retainer every day.
4 Rules for Life After Braces
Orthodontic patients should celebrate the removal of their braces. For some, their smile has been years in the making. It’s time to show off what you’ve worked so hard to achieve. However, there are retention phase rules to follow if you want to keep your teeth in the proper positions.
- Wear your retainer. Some patients must wear their retainer all day every day for several months after treatment is complete. Others only wear their retainer at bedtime every night.
- Store your retainer. When your retainer isn’t in your mouth, store it in its designated case, whether it’s in your pocket, bag, or on the bedside table.
- Clean your retainer. The retention phase can easily be interrupted if you neglect to clean your retainer daily to remove plaque, bacteria, and odors. The last thing you want is decay to develop from an unclean retainer snug against tooth enamel.
- Be patient. You may have a little lisp when you first wear your retainer and it may feel snug. This side effect will fade quickly, especially if you wear the appliance as instructed.
Benefits of the Retention Phase After Braces
Teeth move throughout a person’s lifetime, especially for those who have worn braces. Wearing a retainer, though, prevents teeth from shifting back. There is no reason for teeth to become crooked or crowded ever again when you have a custom-made retainer to keep your smile strong, beautiful, and in place.
- Prevent relapse. If a patient ignores the retention phase, teeth can move back to where they once were. This is known as a relapse. The demands for wearing a retainer are minimal compared to the commitment required during full orthodontic treatment.
- Avoid more braces. Some adults seek orthodontic care because they didn’t wear their retainer after braces during their teens. Others notice their teeth shift because of age, teeth grinding, or TMJ problems. In some cases, it may be necessary to start over or tweak alignment with brief Invisalign treatment.
- Gain permanent retention: Many orthodontic patients are good candidates for a permanent retainer behind their bottom teeth. This discreet wire keeps the lower arch in alignment and a retainer is only needed for the upper arch.
Support Post-Braces Support from Your Monroe Orthodontist
The last thing any orthodontic patient wants after a year or more of wearing braces is a daily appliance, but retainers are easy. They don’t require extensive upkeep or attention. They simply do their job if the patient does their job and wears the appliance.
For Invisalign patients, another aligner should feel like no big deal. It’s simply one more tray to wear to keep newly straightened teeth in place. For braces wearers, the adjustment to a retainer will be more significant, but the switch will not take long to accept.
Retainers last for years with proper care, so after one last checkup, you’re on your honor until a replacement retainer is needed. The retention phase of orthodontics is non-negotiable, but that’s a good thing because it means you have an aligned smile that will stay that way permanently.
Questions about retainers and other appliances? Rely on Dr. Mariana Orthodontics in Monroe, WA. Contact us for an appointment.
