Retainers: Are these blessings or burdens?

After braces, it is essential to wear retainers to keep your teeth in the jaws in the correct position while also encouraging better oral health and hygiene. Without retainer after braces your teeth can revert to its previous positions eliminating the outcome of your braces. So, are these blessings or a burden? Ortho retainers are made to maintain the position of your teeth in place, however not wearing it for a long period can also cause some complications. There are various types of retainer that you can choose from including removable retainers and permanent retainers:

1. Removable hawley retainers:
   Hawley retainers consist of a plastic piece formed for the roof or base of the mouth that is attached to the wire and fits over the front teeth. Removable hawley retainers can be custom designed with a variety of colors and can be tightened or repaired. These retainers can also last for a long time.
2. Removable clear plastic retainers:
   Clear retainer is molded to fit perfectly into the new position of your teeth and is virtually invisible. These retainers are less bulky compared to hawley retainers and will protect your teeth against wear and tear from teeth grinding. They are less expensive to replace in comparison to other retainer options. There is a difference in the brands of clear plastic retainers vivera, essix retainers and zendura that is the type of material they are made of.
3. Bonded permanent retainers:
   Permanent retainers consist of a solid or braided wire bonded to the inside side of your front teeth to keep them off from moving. These retainers cannot be removed except by a dentist or orthodontist. They are not visible to other people and also do not affect your speech.

Benefits of regularly wearing your retainers.

You will need to wear your retainers regularly in order to safeguard your beautifully aligned smile. Here are some of the benefits of wearing retainers :

1. Keeps teeth in place:
   Wearing retainers regularly will help keep your teeth aligned after removal of braces. You will be able to keep your smile as perfect for a longer time. However, not wearing them on a regular basis and ignoring your dentist’s instructions will lead you back to the dentist to restart the orthopedic process.
2. Assists in speech impediments and breathing:
   Retainers adjust the placement of the tongue along with keeping your teeth aligned for proper speech. Your retainer can also help you in maintaining the posture that aids in breathing together with the speech.
3. Promotes proper oral or dental hygiene:
   Straight teeth are easy to clean because of the proper alignment of the teeth. Crooked teeth harbors bacteria and food debris that can lead to infections, cavities and chronic problems.
4. Defends against tongue thrust:
   Some people tend to protrude their tongue forward when swallowing the food, speaking or even when the tongue is resting. If you have a tongue thrust, then you may end up pushing your teeth which may cause the destruction of your recently straightened smile.