“Are permanent retainers necessary after braces?”
I will get my braces off. I don't want to wear retainers. Are permanent retainers necessary after braces?
4 Answers
permanent retainers are great for holding lower anterior teeth in place, removable retainers are an advantage on the upper if any expansion occurred, but if you do not want do wear retainers don't get your braces off or better yet never get them on because your treatment will fail
Hello,
This is a great question! Retainers are a crucial part of any orthodontic treatment. It is imperative that there is proper time for the bone and gums to remodel around the teeth. Permanent retainers are not always required as orthodontic retainers, but often recommended after orthodontic treatment. The teeth are anchored in bone and are under stress as we chew and clench our teeth. This can cause minor movements of the teeth over time. Certain movements over time are to be expected, but can be minimized with proper retainers. Fixed retainers have the advantage of minimizing any changes over long periods of time. Long-term follow-up studies have shown excellent alignment of the teeth when fixed retainers are used. Removable retainers are the alternative approach. When properly worn, removable retainers are an effective orthodontic retainer. The issue with removable retainers is that if they are not worn properly, teeth will move over time. This is the main reason orthodontists like fixed retainers, especially by the lower front teeth.
Good luck with getting your braces off and remember the importance of your retainers!
This is a great question! Retainers are a crucial part of any orthodontic treatment. It is imperative that there is proper time for the bone and gums to remodel around the teeth. Permanent retainers are not always required as orthodontic retainers, but often recommended after orthodontic treatment. The teeth are anchored in bone and are under stress as we chew and clench our teeth. This can cause minor movements of the teeth over time. Certain movements over time are to be expected, but can be minimized with proper retainers. Fixed retainers have the advantage of minimizing any changes over long periods of time. Long-term follow-up studies have shown excellent alignment of the teeth when fixed retainers are used. Removable retainers are the alternative approach. When properly worn, removable retainers are an effective orthodontic retainer. The issue with removable retainers is that if they are not worn properly, teeth will move over time. This is the main reason orthodontists like fixed retainers, especially by the lower front teeth.
Good luck with getting your braces off and remember the importance of your retainers!
Some type of retainer is absolutely necessary after braces. Like everything else on our bodies, teeth do not stay put as we age. To insure your result, retainers are a necessity in 99% of patients! Permanent ones are not without their own issues and I don't typically recommend permanent retainers for the top teeth. For removable retainers you will wear them full time for a brief period, then go to nights and then a few nights a week for as long as you want to protect your investment and hard work!
Permanent retainers are not always needed. Removable retainers are actual use more frequently. You can discuss this with your orthodontist when starting treatment and then again as you are nearing the end.
