Why do you need to wear retainers?

Wearing retainers after braces is necessary for everyone. After the removal of braces the treatment is not over. Removal of braces and not wearing retainers will revert to the way they were before orthodontic treatment. Retainers are important to wear after the braces because the position of teeth may shift and it might result in problems with the patient’s oral health. Retainers are specially designed to maintain the position of the teeth and it is easy to get carried away with a beautiful smile. 

Retainers is an orthodontic appliance which is worn after braces and other orthodontic appliances come off. It is necessary to wear retainers after braces, because it  will keep patients’ teeth in correct alignment and maintain oral health. Many patients receive retainers after braces, where they wear them at night to keep their teeth from moving.

Types of retainers

There are 3 basic types of retainers:

• Permanent retainers: It is fixed only onto the six teeth towards the front end and mostly the lower jawline. This type of retainer stays in patient’s mouths all the time, because it is bonded to the back of your teeth. It is suggested depending on the condition of the patient’s bite and alignment. 
• Hawley retainers: It is a removable retainer made of a plastic shell that coats the roof of the mouth and wire runs over the front of the teeth. They are durable and have a greater ability to make adjustments with them.
• Clear plastic retainers/ Essix retainers: It is made of molded clear plastic and resembles an invisalign aligner. These retainers are removable and less noticeable compared to hawley retainers. The molded part will perfectly fit the new position of the teeth. 

Retainers cost

The cost of the retainers depends upon the types of retainers you choose. Retainers’ cost range starts from 300$ to 6000$ per set. Not only the types, the final cost will depend upon the treatment you choose.

Benefits of regular wearing a retainers

For the straight teeth after braces, then retainers are compulsory to wear. There are many  benefits of retainers which are good for patients’ oral health. After taking off the braces or finishing invisalign treatment, most of the dentists suggest wearing retainers, to protect the patient’s newly aligned smile on the face.

Here are some of the benefits of regular wearing a retainers:

• It maintain space for new teeth and wisdom teeth
• It will align jaw bones with gums
• It help to hold the position of the teeth
• It will stabilized the bite
• It prevent teeth reversal
• It help in avoiding clenching
• It will protect oral health
• It improve breathing
• It helps to correct speech problems

Wearing retainers will sometimes cause irritation in the mouth so, retainers should be clean before using it. For teeth alignment to succeed, patient’s need to visit the dentist for follow up/check up. Due to the regular check up/ follow up, it will save patients from pain and discomfort caused by the retainers. To know more about retainers, visit our clinic where our professional dentist is ready to help you.