Deciding to wear braces usually means that you want to improve the appearance of your smile, or improve the quality of your oral health. Adjusting to braces once you have them is not always the most comfortable, but the results are always gratifying! So why let all that hard work go to waste? Our team of orthodontic professionals at Unionville Orthodontics understands the time and effort taken on your smile journey. This is why we emphasize the importance of wearing retainers during the retention phase.
What Is The Retention Phase?
The retention phase is the period following orthodontic treatment. The purpose is to keep the teeth aligned. Without this phase, the teeth tend to return to their previous position.
If you are wondering whether retainers are essential after wearing braces, the answer is always yes. Otherwise, the chances are very likely, if not inevitable, that your teeth will shift back to their original position. In some cases, they may even move to be more misaligned and/or crooked than before you wore the braces.
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists explains that the reason our teeth naturally shift is due to age. The soft tissues (gingival tissue) determine the position of our teeth, which change with time. The fibers in our gums, which attach our teeth to those soft tissues, cause our teeth to move back to a crooked position. Just like our hair grows and our skin changes, our teeth are not fixed in one spot and they will always have some movement to them.Essentially, retainers are vital to retaining the desired results.
Your Retainer Options
Following your braces, there are options when it comes to the type of retainers that your orthodontist may prescribe:
- Removable Retainers: These would be worn after your braces. Sometimes they are worn full time and you would remove them when you eat or drink and then transition to only wearing them at night.
- Bonded Retainers: These are, as they sound, bonded to your teeth. They are hidden from view and conveniently you do not need to remember to take them in and out. They do however require maintenance if you grind or clench your teeth or bite into hard foods.
See An Orthodontist In Markham!
Dr. Lee and our experienced orthodontic team will advise you to ensure the best results for your lifelong satisfaction!
Further questions? Contact our Markham orthodontic office today with Unionville Orthodontics at 1.905.477.7186!
Ready to start your smile journey? We’d be happy to talk to you about our treatment options, such as clear braces, Invisalign, and more! New and existing patients are welcome to book an appointment online!
