Orthodontic treatments can last anywhere from 12-36 months. After a consultation with your orthodontist in Johns Greek, they will either remove your braces, or you will no longer need to wear a new set of aligners. Your teeth are now in their new and improved position. But wearing a retainer is important because teeth tend to shift back if not maintained.
Despite this, a lot of patients forego wearing their retainer because they are forgetful, or they feel that their teeth will stay in place without it. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Wearing a retainer is just as important as wearing braces or aligners because it helps to keep your teeth in their new position.
To give you a better understanding of why wearing a retainer is important, below are some key points:
#1 – Wearing a retainer helps to keep your new smile.
You’ve spent a lot of time, money, and effort to achieve the smile that you’ve always wanted. After your braces or aligners are removed, wearing a retainer will help to keep your newly straightened teeth in their new position.
#2 – It can help to improve your oral health.
When your teeth are in their new and improved position, it will be easier for you to brush and floss properly. This means that you’ll be less likely to experience cavities or gum disease.
#3 – Wearing a retainer is much cheaper than getting braces or aligners again.
If you don’t wear your retainer and your teeth start to shift back, you may need to go through orthodontic treatment all over again. This can be costly, so it’s best to just wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist.
Common Questions About Wearing a Retainer
#1 – How many hours do I need to wear retainers daily?
The wearing time will depend on your orthodontist’s recommendation. For the first few weeks or months, you may need to wear your retainer for 20-22 hours a day. After that, you can start wearing it for fewer hours until you only need to wear it at night.
#2 – What type of retainer should I wear?
There are two common types of retainers: fixed and removable.
Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of your teeth and can only be removed by an orthodontist. They are less likely to be lost or forgotten, but they can be harder to clean.
Removable retainers are easy to take out and put in, but they can be easily lost or forgotten. They are also more difficult to keep clean because food and bacteria can easily get trapped underneath the retainer.
Your orthodontist will recommend the best type of retainer for you based on your individual needs.
#3 – Will retainers affect my speech?
When you first start wearing a retainer, it’s normal to experience some lisping. This is because your tongue needs to get used to the new position of your teeth. After a few days or weeks, your speech will go back to normal.
#4 – How many years do I need to wear retainers?
The wearing time will depend on your orthodontist’s recommendation, but most patients only need to wear their retainers for a few years. In some cases, you may need to wear your retainer for the rest of your life.
#5 – Can a retainer be replaced?
YES! If your retainer is lost or broken, you can always replace it. Just contact your orthodontist for a new one. You can also choose a different type if you want to switch from a removable to a fixed retainer, or vice versa.
#6 – How can I maintain my retainers?
The best way to clean your retainers is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush them with toothpaste and water. You can also soak them in denture cleaner or retainer cleaner. It’s important to clean your retainer every day to prevent plaque buildup and bad breath.
You also need to practice good oral health habits before putting them back in your mouth. This means brushing your teeth and tongue and flossing properly.
Get the Best Orthodontic Care with Braces and Retainers from Ricci Orthodontics in Johns Greek, GA
If you’re in need of retainers or an entire orthodontic plan for your teeth, you can expect the best treatment from Ricci Orthodontics in Johns Greek! We are proud to offer high-quality braces and retainers for patients of all ages, and we will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your case, lifestyle, and preferences.
Dr. Steven C. Ricci has been practicing orthodontics in the Atlanta area since 1998 and is an active member of many leading dental and orthodontic organizations. He recognizes the importance of staying up to date with the rapid advances in the orthodontic field and continues to spend in excess of 40 hours per year on continuing education, despite the Georgia State Board of Dentistry requirements of only 20 hours per year.
Ricci Orthodontics offers all types of retainers in Johns Greek, namely clear retainers, permanent retainers, and Hawley retainers. Wearing a retainer is an essential part of the orthodontic process and Dr. Ricci and his team will work with you to find the best retainer solution for your needs.
We also offer all types of orthodontic treatments such as metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, and Wilckodontics accelerated braces as well as appliances like expanders and spacers. Patients of all ages come to us for our high-quality orthodontic care.
For more in formation on retainers or to schedule a consultation, contact us today at (678) 417-9848. Our office is located at 10475 Medlock Bridge Rd, Suite 114, Johns Creek, GA. We are excited to help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile!
Tags: braces in Johns Creek Georgia, Orthodontics in Johns Greek, Retainers in Johns Greek, wearing a retainer
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