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When you are done with the teeth alignment treatment in New York, whether with braces or clear aligners, the journey is not complete yet. The next essential step is Retainers. Most importantly, they are not optional. The reason is that they keep your teeth in their new, straight position even after you take off the teeth-aligning appliance.
However, do you know what they do precisely, what types are available, what tips are available to care for them, and why they are essential to improve your smile? If not, read this blog till the end to know everything about this oral appliance.
Why Do Retainers Matter After Orthodontic Treatment?
You might be surprised to know that your teeth tend to shift from their place soon after your orthodontic aligners come off. In fact, they are still settling. Moreover, the surrounding bone and tissue require time to adjust.
Without retainers in New York, your teeth can shift, at times even faster. This is called relapse, and it is common when these oral appliances are skipped or worn inconsistently. They prevent this issue from happening by holding your teeth in their position until the bone stabilizes around them.
What are its Different Types?
An efficient orthodontist in New York recommends various types of these appliances depending on your dental needs. Here are the variants:
Hawley Retainers
They have been one of the most common teeth stabilizers used by orthodontic care providers all over the world for a long time. These removable straighteners include metal wires that surround the teeth and hold them in their ideal place.
Clear Retainers
They are designed to prevent the teeth from moving or shifting after the teeth aligning treatment. This clear option is similar to invisible aligners when it comes to appearance and texture. These options are durable, removable, and appear to be invisible.
Fixed Retainers
This consists of a solid or braided stainless steel wire attached to the front teeth’s lingual surface. It is generally placed after the orthodontic treatment is complete. Moreover, these alternatives are efficient at maintaining the position of your teeth.
How to Take Care of It?
Your teeth stabilizers are personalized and require regular care to maintain their effectiveness. So, here is what you need to do:
Clean it Regularly
Use a toothbrush, mild soap, or some specific cleaner for the removal alternate. Skip the toothpaste, as it can be abrasive.
Avoid Heat
Avoid exposing your teeth alignment holders to hot water, dishwashers, microwaves, or the dashboard of your car. This is important as heat can warp the plastic.
Store it Properly
Always keep your oral appliance in its case when you are not wearing it. This will keep your post-orthodontic appliance safe and prevent losing it.
Stick to Your Schedule
It’s important to follow your orthodontic care provider’s recommendations about how long you should wear it for the best results! Initially, you should wear it all day (except when eating) and later transition to nighttime use only.
These tooth positioners might not be the flashiest part of your orthodontic treatment, but they are crucial for long-lasting results. Whether you are wearing a clear Essix tray at night or have a fixed wire bonded behind your teeth, consistency is important to protect the treatment results.
If you are in NY and on the verge of finishing up orthodontic treatment, book an appointment at our dental clinic to get the best care for well-aligned, straighter teeth. A few minutes a day can keep your smile straight for decades.
