You’ve put time, money, and effort into orthodontic treatment to achieve your perfect smile, right? The last thing you want is to see all that progress go to waste! After your braces come off, there’s a chance that your teeth will shift back to their original position – and this is why retainers are so important for treatment aftercare. Retainers help keep your teeth in place after your treatment, ensuring that your teeth stay in the desired position. Our orthodontic specialists in Chapel Hill and Pittsboro, NC, explain below.

Importance of Retainers

When you wear braces, force is applied to the teeth to loosen them and facilitate movement. Your teeth (and supporting tissues) remain loose after treatment is complete and can quickly move back to their original spots if you don’t follow your retainer regimen. For a few months after orthodontic treatment, you will generally need to wear your retainer all the time. Depending on your specific case, you should be able to switch to only wearing it at night to keep your teeth from shifting. 

What Types of Treatment Need Retainers?

No matter what type of treatment you underwent (metal braces, clear aligners, speed treatment), retainers are necessary for preventing any lapse in treatment. Our orthodontist will provide information depending on the severity of your case. You may need both upper and lower retainers or just one, and the length you have to wear them may differ from others.

Other Aftercare

It feels great to finally have your braces taken off! Make sure you maintain good oral hygiene, brush and floss regularly, and get regular checkups with our orthodontist. If you notice that your teeth are shifting out of place, even with regular use of your retainers, contact our orthodontist immediately. You don’t want to have to redo all that work! 

Learn More About Retainers from Our Orthodontic Specialists in Chapel Hill & Pittsboro, NC

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other orthodontic topics, feel free to contact the practice of Dr. Tammy R. Severt by clicking here or by calling 919-929-2365.