By Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy
Finishing braces is a milestone, but the result is not permanent on its own. Retainers hold your teeth in place so all that work lasts.
After braces, teeth naturally tend to drift back, so a retainer is essential to keep them straight. There are removable retainers and fixed (bonded) retainers. Most people wear them full-time at first, then nightly long-term. Skipping a retainer is the main reason teeth relapse after braces.
Types of retainer
- Removable - clear or wire retainers worn mainly at night.
- Fixed (bonded) - a thin wire bonded behind the teeth.
How long to wear them
Usually full-time for a short period, then nightly for the long term. Teeth can shift for life, so long-term nightly wear protects your result. Look after a removable retainer like an aligner.
Questions about retainers? Ask at The Tooth Studio.
Have a question about your smile?
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