My Blog
Archive:
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- celebrity smiles (96)
- tooth extraction (2)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- dental implant (5)
- common symptoms (1)
- dental hygiene (2)
- oral health (37)
- tooth decay (11)
- dental implants (19)
- dentures (3)
- pregnancy (4)
- smile makeover (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (15)
- oral hygiene (28)
- orthodontic treatment (22)
- pediatric dentistry (16)
- orthodontics (9)
- braces (10)
- oral cancer (6)
- toothache (3)
- sugar substitutes (1)
- chipped tooth (5)
- palatal expanders (1)
- teeth whitening (5)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- dental injury (8)
- mouthguards (5)
- osteoporosis (1)
- crown (2)
- dental exam (2)
- brushing teeth (1)
- tooth pain (3)
- root canal treatment (8)
- (1)
- porcelain veneers (2)
- diabetes (2)
- gum disease (18)
- chipped teeth (2)
- clear aligners (2)
- laser dentistry (1)
- sealants (2)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- bridge (2)
- partial denture (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- oral sedation (1)
- bad breath (3)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- crowns (4)
- root canal (4)
- teeth wear (1)
- periodontal disease (5)
- bonding (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- sinus surgery (1)
- nutrition (6)
- dental emergency (1)
- antibiotics (3)
- sleep apnea (1)
- snoring (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- retainers (4)
- loose teeth (2)
- metal allergies (1)
- veneers (2)
- removable partial denture (1)
- palatal expander (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- dental treatment (1)
- bone loss (2)
- retainer (2)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- oral surgery (2)
- teeth grinding (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- shingles (1)
- facial pain (1)
- gum recession (3)
- medicine (1)
- extraction (1)
- composite resin (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- eating disorder (1)
- gerd (1)
- tmj disorders (2)
- sensitive teeth (3)
- dental injuries (1)
- nerve pain (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- tooth wear (1)
- vaping (1)
- tmj disorder (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- aging (1)
- dental sealants (1)
Categories:
|
|
|
Check our Dentists Reviews on Angie's List |
If you're currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, you're no doubt looking forward to the day your braces come off. But that won't end your treatment just yet — you'll need to wear a retainer.
Teeth are held secure in the bone of the jaw by an elastic tissue known as the periodontal ligament. As the braces “pull” the teeth to their new position, the ligament stretches and the bone remodels around the teeth. But the ligament also has a tendency to rebound as the tension eases when the braces are removed. The teeth could then return to their original position, especially during the first few months.
To prevent this patients wear an orthodontic appliance known as a retainer. It maintains some of the tension once supplied by the braces to help keep or “retain” the teeth in their new position. Depending on your age and other factors, you'll have to wear one for at least eighteen months; some patients, especially adults, may have to wear one indefinitely.
You may be familiar with a removable retainer, one you can take in and out of your mouth. But there's another type called a bonded retainer that's fixed to the teeth and can only be removed by a dentist. With this retainer a dentist bonds a thin piece of wire to the back of the teeth where it can't be seen. You can feel it, though, with the tongue: an unusual sensation at first, but one easily grown accustomed to.
Unlike their removable counterparts, bonded retainers aren't noticeable, either to others or the wearer. They're especially appropriate for patients who may not be as diligent in wearing a removable retainer.
It does, though, have some disadvantages. The position of the wire running horizontally across several teeth can make flossing difficult. And as with any retainer, removing it could increase the risk of the teeth moving out of alignment.
There are a number of factors to discuss with your orthodontist about which type of retainer is best for your situation. If you do choose a bonded retainer, be sure you work with the dental hygienist on how best to floss the affected teeth. And if you do have it removed, have a removable retainer prepared so you can preserve that smile you've invested so much into obtaining.
If you would like more information on bonded retainers following braces, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.
