Orthodontic treatment does not end when the braces are removed. You may have heard that teeth have memory.
This means that, even if we get orthodontics to rearrange them and place them in the proper position, they will tend to return to their original position… if we don’t do something to remedy it.
For this reason, orthodontic treatments do not end with the removal of the appliances, but then the last phase begins: the retention phase, with the so-called orthodontic retainers.
We explain what they consist of and how long you have to wear them.
Why are they necessary after orthodontics?
Orthodontic retainers are key to preserving the new smile we have achieved after the active phase of treatment as they prevent the teeth from returning to their original position.
There are fixed and removable ones and they are placed in the upper and lower arches of the mouth.
Orthodontic retainers: fixed and removable The choice between fixed or removable retention will depend on each patient, type of bite and presence of implants or restorations, among other things, although it is common for both to be combined.
Normally, fixed braces are used to retain the anterior groups of teeth and consist of a type of very fine metal wire that is placed at the back of the teeth so that it is not visible.
On the other hand, removable retainers are usually used to maintain the position of the posterior teeth.
They are transparent covers (splints) that can be removed and put on at night.
In short, orthodontic retainers are essential so that the long-awaited smile that we have achieved with orthodontic treatment is not erased.
The time we have to wear them will vary depending on the characteristics of our specific case, so our orthodontist will tell us. + info: Orthodontics: Brackets, Invisalign or lingual?