Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of your treatment journey! Your teeth are beautifully straight and your smile has never looked better however, before you get too comfortable, there’s one final step in your orthodontic treatment, wearing retainers.
At Gentle Touch Orthodontics, your trusted orthodontist in Adelaide, we’re here to guide you through life after treatment. One of the most important things to understand is that your teeth have a natural tendency to shift. That’s where retainers come in, they help maintain your stunning new smile.
Why Are Retainers So Important?
Once you have finished your treatment the teeth and surrounding tissues need time to stabilise. What many people don’t know is that teeth shift no matter your age! This is where your retainers come in, they prevent your teeth from slowly drifting back toward their original or a new position with age. Retainers are protecting all the hard work and investment of your orthodontic treatment. Wearing a retainer keeps your teeth in their ideal alignment and protects your long-term results.
Types of Retainers
Dr Balya, your orthodontist in Adelaide will recommend a retainer type that suits your needs, lifestyle, and treatment goals. At Gentle Touch Orthodontics, we use the most modern, sleek forms of retention, lets break down the options:
1. Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers or sometimes known as permanent or bonded retainers, consist of a thin wire that is permanently attached to the back of your front teeth. This wire typically extends across the six teeth on the bottom and four on the top however, this can vary depending on your individual treatment.
While fixed retainers are not a compulsory form of retention, they are highly recommended to a majority of Dr Balya’s patients after finishing treatment.
2. Clear Retainers
Clear retainers, often made from a thin, transparent plastic material, fit snugly over your teeth, similar in appearance to clear aligners. The retainers are a compulsory part of treatment and every patient at Gentle Touch Orthodontics are given a set after treatment. Unlike other practices, we include the cost of your retainers in your initial quote.
We provide detailed care instructions to help patients to keep their clear retainers clean and well looked after.
How Long Do I Need to Wear Retainers?
At Gentle Touch Orthodontics we recommend that all our patients wear their retainers every night indefinitely. Yes, even years after treatment, consistent retainer wear is key to keeping your smile straight! Our expert team will provide a personalised retention plan and help monitor your progress during follow-up appointments for up to a year after your treatment is finished.
Help! I Lost My Retainers
If your retainer is lost, cracked, or no longer fits properly, it’s essential to get in touch with us right away. Delaying replacement can lead to teeth shifting.
If you have questions about retainers, need a replacement, or just want more advice, contact Gentle Touch, your experienced orthodontist in Adelaide today. We’re always here to help protect your perfect smile.
Your journey with Gentle Touch Orthodontics doesn’t end when the braces come off. We’re your lifelong partners in smile care, and we want to ensure your results last for many years to come.
