You have just finished with braces or clear aligners and unveiled a beautifully aligned smile. The journey may have taken some time and diligence and you may be wondering, "Do I need to wear retainers now that my teeth are straight?"
Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining the results from your orthodontic treatment. While braces have successfully shifted your teeth into their desired positions, it is important to understand that teeth have a memory of their own. Without the support of retainers, they will be inclined to revert to their original positions over time.
The initial period after braces are removed is particularly critical. Your teeth are still settling in to their new positions, and wearing retainers helps to solidify these changes. Our office will provide specific guidelines on how often you should wear your retainers to ensure your teeth remain in alignment. It is very common for their to be a period of time that you will be instructed to wear your retainers full time other than eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth when you first get your braces off.
As time progresses, the frequency that you are instructed to wear your retainers may change, allowing you to wear them less frequently. My favorite phrase for retainer wear is "Nighttime for a Lifetime!". What this means is that your should continue to wear your retainer to bed for as long as you want your teeth to remain straight.
Consistency is the key to wearing retainers. Skipping or neglecting to wear your retainers as advised can lead to gradual movement of your teeth. Think of your retainers as insurance for your investment in a straight and beautiful smile!
Here are a few reasons why wearing retainers is crucial
Preventing tooth movement: Your teeth may have shifted during orthodontic treatment, but without the support of retainers, there is a high risk that they will shift back to their original position.
Stabilizing the bite: Retainers not only maintain the alignment of the front teeth but also contribute to stabilizing the bite.
Post-orthodontic adjustment period: In the initial months after braces are removed, your teeth are still adapting to their new positions. Wearing retainers helps solidify the changes and ensure a lasting outcome.
Protection against clenching and grinding- clear retainers can provide protecting from the negative effects of the forces generated from clenching and grinding the teeth at night
Preserving your investment: Orthodontic treatment is an investment of time and resources. Wearing retainers diligently is a small but vital commitment to preserving the beautiful smile you have worked so hard to achieve!
This patient came to our office looking to improve the crowding of her teeth. Before treatment she had a narrow smile, severe overbite, severe crowding, class 2 bite (when the upper jaw and/or teeth are ahead of the bottom jaw and/or teeth), narrow arches, and peg lateral on upper left.
Treatment Journey:
Our patients treatment plan involved upper and lower braces,the use of rubber bands, and restorative treatment of the peg lateral, by the talented Dr. Pichardo at Citrus Dental of Inverness. Treatment for this case took just over 2 years.
After Treatment:
In this amazing transformation we were able to correct all of the pre-existing orthodontic concerns, improving the overbite, correcting the class 2 to a class 1 proper bite, eliminating the crowding, aligning the midlines, and widening and broadening the smile. The shape of the peg lateral incisor was improved through a wonderful restoration by the patient's general dentist.
This case shows an amazing transformation and teamwork between myself as the orthodontist, the patient who did an amazing job wearing rubber bands, and the general dentist to restore an undersized tooth.
Orthodontics can not only play a pivotal role in optimizing both oral health and functional well-being, but more importantly can elevate one's self-confidence. Our practice is committed to serving patients of all ages and embraces the belief that it's never too late to embark on the journey to your dream smile.
We invite you and your family to reach out to our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. Allow me the privilege of discussing the orthodontic solutions tailored to your unique needs. Your journey to your dream smile begins with an orthodontic specialist!
As many of you know, Dr. Eric Strouse recently joined our practice. Dr. Donald Wexler will be stepping back into retirement. Moving forward the practice will now be called Strouse & Wexler Orthodontics instead of Wexler Orthodontics.
Please reach out with any questions you may have regarding this transition, or about our new doctor! We look forward to seeing you at your next visit.
While braces play an important part in helping to create a healthy mouth and teeth, you might experience a few side effects while wearing them that are common and can be easily treated.
Even with the best of care, braces can cause soreness to your mouth. As your teeth begin to move, it is natural for your teeth to feel aches and your jaw to develop soreness.
If there are broken wires or loose bands on your braces, a sore tongue, mouth, or canker sore will occur. Canker sores are a common occurrence when braces rub inside the mouth. There are ointments available to reduce the pain and irritation associated with mouth sores. We urge those who experience a sore mouth or any of the following problems to call our office to schedule an appointment.
Loose brackets: Apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the bracket temporarily. You might also apply a little between the braces and the soft tissue of your mouth.
Loose bands: These must be secured in place by your orthodontist. Try to save the band for repair.
Protruding or broken wires: The eraser end of a pencil can be used to move the wire carefully to a less painful spot. If you are unable to move it, apply orthodontic wax to the tip. If a mouth sore develops, rinse with warm salt water or antiseptic rinse.
Loose spacers: These will need to be repositioned and sometimes replaced.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods can also help or hurt you while you’re wearing braces. Remember to cut your food into small pieces that can be easily chewed. You will want to avoid hard and chewy foods that can break your hardware. Foods such as corn on the cob, nuts, carrots, apples, ice, and bubble gum should be avoided.
Braces, rubber bands, springs, and other mouth appliances associated with braces will normally attract food particles and plaque. Without the proper care, this could cause staining of your teeth.
Our staff at Wexler Orthodontics recommends brushing after every meal or snack and carefully removing any food that might be lodged in the braces. A fluoride mouthwash might be helpful as well as flossing. At your next appointment, Dr. Donald Wexler can advise you how to floss with a brush specially designed for braces!
