RETENTION
Orthodontic retainers are custom made devices that hold teeth in position after treatment.
RETENTION
Orthodontic retainers are custom made devices that hold teeth in position after treatment.
Essential Orthodontic Retention
All patients require orthodontic retention after braces or aligners, as retention is the most important aspect of your orthodontic treatment.
After orthodontic treatment is complete, elastic tissues in the gums attempt to pull your teeth back to their original positions. Retainers are used to reduce and halt these undesirable movements, allowing time for the soft tissues to adapt to new tooth positions.
A common misconception about orthodontic treatment is that the end results are permanent. This is not the case. Scientific studies have shown teeth move constantly throughout life as a natural aspect of the aging process.
We strongly encourage all patients to continue orthodontic retention for as long as they desire a straight smile.
Essential Orthodontic Retention
All patients require orthodontic retention after braces or aligners, as retention is the most important aspect of your orthodontic treatment.
After orthodontic treatment is complete, elastic tissues in the gums attempt to pull your teeth back to their original positions. Retainers are used to reduce and halt these undesirable movements, allowing time for the soft tissues to adapt to new tooth positions.
A common misconception about orthodontic treatment is that the end results are permanent. This is not the case. Scientific studies have shown teeth move constantly throughout life as a natural aspect of the aging process.
We strongly encourage all patients to continue orthodontic retention for as long as they desire a straight smile.
Types of Retainers
At the end of your orthodontic treatment, Dr Poon will bond fixed retainers to the back of the upper and lower teeth, securing them in position. Fixed retainers are made of stainless steel, allowing regular brushing and flossing, and designed to remain in the mouth for an extended time period.
You will also be given a removable retainer to wear over your fixed wire retainer. This is required to stabilise your arch shape and occlusion at the end of your orthodontic treatment. Generally, you are asked to wear these removable retainers at night over a twelve-month period.
Your general dentist is able to examine and clean around the retainer, as normal.
Types of Retainers
At the end of your orthodontic treatment, Dr Poon will bond fixed retainers to the back of the upper and lower teeth, securing them in position. Fixed retainers are made of stainless steel, allowing regular brushing and flossing, and designed to remain in the mouth for an extended time period.
You will also be given a removable retainer to wear over your fixed wire retainer. This is required to stabilise your arch shape and occlusion at the end of your orthodontic treatment. Generally, you are asked to wear these removable retainers at night over a twelve-month period.
Your general dentist is able to examine and clean around the retainer, as normal.
