Once the orthodontic treatments are completed, most patients believe that they’re finished with having any appliances in their mouths. A common belief of braces is that once they’re removed, that’s it.
But that simply isn’t the case. When the braces have come off, the patient must make a choice as to what type of retainer they want to use. Retainers are a very important part of any post-braces treatment because they continue to keep the teeth in the correct position and ensure that they don’t return to where they were before the braces went on.
There are two kinds of retainers – permanent and removable. Permanent seems somewhat self-explanatory as they are attached to the teeth, somewhat like braces. They are glued to the backs of the teeth, so they’re almost completely invisible.
Removable requires a little more explanation, so the staff at Dr. Bryan Hicks Orthodontist wants to clarify just what removable retainers are.
A removable retainer is a dental appliance that is simple and easy to use. Orthodontic retainers are formed to fit directly into your mouth and are designed to be comfortable. In a perfect world, you won’t even know you’re wearing them as you go about your day.
There are many different types of removable retainers – some of them are made of metal and some are clear. Unfortunately, metal retainers are noticeable and are visible when speaking.
These retainers must be removed before eating, playing sports, or participating in any other activity that may involve any sort of contact to the face. Luckily, they are very easy to remove and put back in. When brushing your teeth, it’s simple to remove them, brush and floss your teeth, and then place them right back in.
If you’re ready to have your braces removed, come and talk to us at Dr. Bryan Hicks Orthodontist and we can show you what kind of retainers you can use to continue your treatment.
