After the hard work of braces or any orthodontic treatment, retainers play an essential role in maintaining the results. At Hubbard Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of retainers to ensure that your newly aligned smile remains perfect for years to come.
Retainers are essential orthodontic devices used to keep teeth in place after they have been realigned through braces or clear aligners. They are crucial for maintaining the results achieved by orthodontic treatment, as they prevent teeth from gradually shifting back to their original positions. This tendency for teeth to move is due to the elastic nature of the periodontal ligaments and the surrounding bone, which can adjust over time.
Retainers are most commonly employed immediately after the removal of braces. Whether someone has worn traditional metal braces or modern clear aligners, retainers help secure the new positioning of their teeth. Apart from post-treatment maintenance, retainers can also be used for minor corrections where only slight adjustments are necessary, making them a versatile tool in orthodontics.
As people age, their teeth naturally tend to shift. To combat this, we often suggest that our patients wear their retainers at night over a long period, or even indefinitely. This not only helps maintain a straight and healthy smile but also supports the long-term stability of the jawbone and gums by ensuring that the new alignment of the teeth becomes permanent.
At Hubbard Orthodontics, we offer several types of retainers, each designed to meet different needs and preferences:
Most people looking into retainers seriously for the first time have questions. Here, we hope we have answered many of the most common questions we get from patients. However, if you have more questions, please schedule an appointment or at least give us a call so we can help answer anything else during your appointment.
After orthodontic treatment, teeth have a tendency to shift back to their original positions due to the elastic nature of the gums and periodontal ligaments. Wearing a retainer prevents this regression and helps maintain the alignment achieved with your treatment.
At Hubbard Orthodontics, we provide several types of retainers to suit different needs and preferences:
The duration for which you need to wear your retainer varies depending on your individual case. Initially, you may need to wear it full-time for several months, followed by nighttime wear indefinitely to ensure your teeth do not shift over time.
If you have a removable retainer, such as a Hawley or clear plastic retainer, you can take it out while eating, brushing, and flossing. Fixed retainers cannot be removed and require special care during oral hygiene routines.
Care instructions vary depending on the type of retainer:
You may experience a slight discomfort or feel pressure when you first start wearing a retainer, but this feeling should subside as you get used to it. If discomfort persists, please contact us for adjustments.
Contact Hubbard Orthodontics immediately if your retainer is lost or damaged. It is important to replace or repair your retainer as soon as possible to prevent your teeth from shifting.
We recommend regular check-ups after your treatment concludes to ensure your retainer is functioning properly and your teeth remain in alignment. Typically, these check-ups occur every 6 to 12 months.
Do you have a lot of questions about what to expect and how we can help you at Hubbard Orthodontics? We're working to provide in-depth and helpful information regarding our orthodontics practices and treatments as well as help answer questions that we receive from patients that matter most to them so that everyone can have those answers available at their fingertips.
At Hubbard Orthodontics, Dr. Hubbard and our dedicated team are committed to providing exceptional orthodontic care in the heart of Stephenville. We specialize in innovative treatments and personalized care plans designed to create beautiful, healthy smiles for patients of all ages. Trust your smile to our expertise and experience a brighter, more confident future.