Orthodontics requires patience on the part of the wearer. They work their magic at a slow, steady pace, realigning the teeth and/or jaw to create the patient's desired smile.
Once the braces come off, the retainer becomes a new addition to a patient's daily routine. Here is a short explainer that goes over the retainer and its usage.
Orthodontic treatment works by aligning the teeth and/or the jaw. These structures have a certain amount of elasticity to them, which means they can easily move back to their old positions, like a rubber band snapping back to its original form. This is where orthodontic appliances like retainers come in.
A retainer maintains the new alignment of straightened teeth. It acts like a brace that keeps the teeth from shifting back to their old positions. The retainer remains in play until the dentist finds that the teeth are permanently settled into their new positions.
The process of fitting a retainer is simple. First, the dentist will take a mold or impression of the patient’s new smile. They will send the impression to a dental lab, where a dental technician will fabricate a custom retainer. Once the dentist receives the finished product, they will call their patient in for a fitting. In the case of a fixed retainer, the dentist will bond it onto the patient’s teeth. There are many different types of retainers, however.
A dentist may bond a retainer directly onto the patient’s teeth. Usually, this type of retainer goes on the back of the teeth, where it remains invisible. It takes the form of dental wire that attaches to the back of the teeth with the help of dental cement.
Then there is the removable retainer, which comes in different variations. The most popular is the clear (transparent) retainer, which takes the form of a custom dental tray that encases a person’s teeth. A second variation is the plate retainer, which has two parts. The first is the plastic plate that sits on the back of the teeth and out of sight. The second component is a metal wire that runs across the front of the teeth.
A person who needs a retainer needs to be deliberate about caring for it. Care and maintenance range from cleaning to damage prevention and periodic dental checkups. Here are a few pointers:
People who wear permanent retainers need to take extra care as they clean their teeth. A dentist will supply detailed instructions that cover oral hygiene while wearing permanent retainers.
Orthodontic treatment for a severe bad bite requires the patient to wear their retainer for months or even years. A person with a slight misalignment may only need to wear their retainer at night and only for a few months.
Our dentist will be happy to walk with you through orthodontic treatment. They will give you personalized advice that will help you ensure that your well-aligned teeth that will last a lifetime. Call us to find out how orthodontics will boost both your confidence and your oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://sexton-dental.com or call Sexton Dental at (740) 363-2080 for an appointment in our Delaware office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics in Delaware, OH.
Minor oral surgery is required for the placement of dental implants. An implant is an artificial tooth root placed in the jaw to replace lost roots that fall out when a tooth is lost. The importance of this cannot be overstated as it helps to preserve bone tissue loss in the jaw.Bone tissue loss is…
Understanding the importance of an oral cancer screening is necessary, especially for dental patients who smoke, drink alcohol, or spend a lot of time in the sun without using some protection. According to the Mayo Clinic, oral cancer screening aims to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.Learning what…
Dental veneers are custom-fit shells made of porcelain or ceramic material. These restorations are easy to get, but you need to have the commitment to care for them. Knowing how long they last and how to maintain these restorations can help you prepare for a life of wearing these shells. Here are the details you…
You might want to head to a general dentist if you find yourself dealing with a cavity. Cavities are tiny holes that form on teeth because of tooth decay. Acids created by oral bacteria eat away at teeth surfaces, creating those tiny holes. Other symptoms include reoccurring toothaches, increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods,…
Minor oral surgery is required for the placement of dental implants. An implant is an artificial tooth root placed in the jaw to replace lost roots that fall out when a tooth is lost. The importance of this cannot be overstated as it helps to preserve bone tissue loss in the jaw.Bone tissue loss is…
Understanding the importance of an oral cancer screening is necessary, especially for dental patients who smoke, drink alcohol, or spend a lot of time in the sun without using some protection. According to the Mayo Clinic, oral cancer screening aims to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.Learning what…