Teeth do not stop moving throughout life. Therefore, after orthodontic treatment, an orthodontic dental retainer is used to maintain the result achieved with treatment.
Types of Dental Retainers
A number of different types of dental retainers are used depending on what kind of orthodontic problem has been treated. The common types of retainer include:
- Clear vacuum formed dental retainer – commonly used on the upper teeth, this type of retainer fits snugly over every surface of the teeth. This type of retainer is typically worn at night during sleep.
- Bonded wire dental retainer – commonly placed on the inside surface of the lower front teeth, this retainer is excellent at maintaining the alignment of your lower teeth. These wires are typically kept in place forever because teeth do not stop moving throughout life. They are easy to keep clean and easily removed if it is no longer wanted.
How long do I wear dental retainers for ?
Removable retainers are worn full time (day and night except for eating and brushing) for 3 months after the removal of braces. After this period they are worn at night only when you go to sleep. Wearing them every night in the long term will ensure that your orthodontic result will not change.
Orthoclinic is a leading specialist in providing dental retainers in Canberra. Book now for a consultation to see if dental retainers are right for you.