After taking off braces, you need to wear a retainer in order to keep your teeth straightened. There are different types of retainers available, you can choose the one according to your needs. For instance, If you do not feel comfortable with retainers while eating, you can get a removable retainer. You can take off the removable retainer to clean them or while eating. In this article, we will cover all the information you need to know regarding retainers. How long do you have to wear retainers? What would happen if you do not wear them? These are some of the questions regarding retainers that we will cover in this article.
What is a retainer?
Retainers are used after getting orthodontic treatment. They hold your teeth in their place after you get orthodontic treatment. They come in different types and you can also get them custom-made. Usually, you can get retainers in metal or plastic form. You can get the one according to your preference and the suggestion of your dentist.
Types of Retainers
Retainers are categorized into removable and irremovable. They are further classified according to the type of material they are made of. We have listed here some of the most used types of retainers. They are briefly explained below:
Bonded Retainers
As the name suggests, this type of retainer is attached to your teeth for a duration of some months. The process is done after you get orthodontic treatment. These retainers are best for people who have to put on the retainers consistently. You can get this if your dentist recommends this to you.
Hawley retainers
These retainers fall in the category of removable retainers. Some people with retainers do not feel at ease while eating or chewing. They can be easily cleaned, you just need to take them off. A number of dentists consider this a reliable retainer. The reason why it is used widely is that it is quick and easy to wear Hawley retainers.
Clear Plastic Retainer
This is another removable retainer but it is made from plastic. These retainers are made from clear plastic, so no one knows you’re wearing plastic retainers. This is the only thing common in Invisalign and plastic retainers. The shape of your teeth changes after getting orthodontic treatment, but this plastic retainer is designed to suit different shapes of teeth.
What happens if I do not wear retainers?
Braces should be your go-to option if you want to straighten your teeth. But after the braces have done their work and your teeth get straight. You need to wear retainers to keep them straight. But if you do not, your teeth are likely to get back to their old position. There are certain factors that can play a role in shifting the position of your teeth. The primary factor is age. That’s why dentists recommend wearing retainers right after the removal of braces as they keep your teeth in their place despite all the factors. Because without braces, there is no obstacle for your teeth to get back to their position.
How Long should I wear my retainers after braces?
Initially, you need to carry it every day with you for a few years,, but after some years you can wear them on and off. But there is no time limit for wearing retainers, you may need them for the rest of your life. Orthodontists recommend wearing retainers for 9 months daily. After this period, you can wear retainers nightly while sleeping.
There’s a high percentage of dentists that recommend using removable retainers. Because you can take off your retainers whenever you need. After a few years, you may not need to wear them as often as you do after getting fresh orthodontic treatment.
In a nutshell, you need to wear retainers after the removal of braces. There are three types of retainers that are commonly used. Among these, removable retainers are the ones suggested by the majority of orthodontists. But you should consult your orthodontist to know which one can work best for you. No one can guarantee that your teeth will remain straight without a retainer. So, develop a habit of wearing them.
