All you need to know about retainers

Congratulations! You have successfully completed your toothsi smile makeover journey and are totally flaunting your new smile. You must also be loving the compliments that are coming your way. The last thing you would want is for the teeth to move back into their old positions.

That’s why after you are done with your last set of aligners, you have to put on a retainer for your teeth. What is it? Why is it important? Can I skip it? We will answer all those questions here.

What are Retainers and Why are They Important?

What do retainers do? Well, as the name suggests, retainers ‘retain’ the new position of the teeth. A retainer is an orthodontic appliance that keeps the teeth aligned after you complete the treatment with aligners. They apply sufficient pressure on the teeth to keep them from moving back to their original positions.

Their primary job is to stabilize the new positions of the teeth and ensure they stay in their new positions. This is critical to maintaining your new smile for many years to come. If you want your new smile to last, make sure you do not skip the ‘retainer’ part of the treatment. Wear retainers after aligners regularly and as recommended.

What Are the Different Types of Retainers?

There are 2 main types of retainers - removable and permanent. Your orthodontist might help you select the right one. If you are looking for removable retainers, go for Vacuum-Formed Retainer (VFR) / Clear Retainers.

Clear retainers or vacuum-formed retainers are made out of durable clear plastic. It is intimately shaped to fit over your teeth hence they offer better comfort than the other aligners do. These are clear aligners, so they are ‘invisible’ but users must ensure that they don’t grind their teeth while wearing the retainers.

Doesn’t Retainer Do the Same Thing as My Last Aligner?

Well, your last aligner straightened your teeth and worked to bring your teeth to their final positions.

Retainer, on the other hand, must be worn after the final aligner to maintain your new smile for months and years to come.

When Do I Need to Wear My Retainers?

You have to wear the retainer after you complete your smile makeover plan. It is important you wear it regularly. If you are wondering how long should I wear my retainer a day, wear it for 24 hours for the first two weeks. Take them off when you eat. After that, you will need to wear them only when you sleep. Replace your retainer every 6 months to keep them fresh.

Your schedule will be determined by your orthodontist. You need to follow that routine strictly if you wish to see your smile last for a long, long time to come.

Book a scan session today and get that smile makeover you always wanted!