Getting braces or a set of Invisible aligners is an investment in your teeth and overall health. But your orthodontic treatment doesn’t end when you take off your braces or finish your last set of Invisalign. The retention phase is another part of your treatment. This is where you keep your pearly whites perfectly straightened, so you don’t lose all your hard-earned gains.
Luckily, Dr. Kahan and her team of smile professionals at Kahan Orthodontics in Los Angeles, California, appreciate all the efforts that patients put into improving their smiles. As a result, they provide patients with many options for achieving optimum comfort while keeping their pearly white completely straightened.
Even so, many patients are unaware that retainers are equally as crucial as braces or Invisalign in straightening their teeth. So, here are some things you should know about retainers.
Why Should I Wear a Retainer After Getting Braces or Aligners?
It takes time for your teeth to straighten permanently. Because nothing is holding your teeth back after wearing braces or Invisalign, they will try to shift back to their previous position. Retainers assist in keeping them straight until your teeth accept the new position as permanent.
Do Retainers Hurt?
It is normal for your retainer to cause pain or discomfort for the first 4-5 days after it is placed. This is because your mouth is still adjusting to the sensation in the same manner it did when you first began your orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign. If the discomfort persists, make an appointment with Dr. Kahan at Kahan Orthodontics in Los Angeles, California.
How Long Should I Wear Retainers?
The amount of time a patient needs to wear retainers is determined by the severity of their case. Teeth adjustments vary from person to person.
Dr. Kahan will provide recommendations depending on your dental mobility. This will include how long and how frequently you must wear them. As a result, it is advisable to meet with Dr. Kahan in Los Angeles, California, to guarantee a well-planned orthodontic treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
What If I Don’t Wear My Retainer?
If you do not follow your orthodontist’s advice, your teeth may relapse or misalign due to shifting movement, requiring your orthodontist to take corrective measures such as recommending braces again or, in some circumstances, undergoing another surgery to fix misalignment.
How to Care for My Retainer?
It is really simple to keep your retainer clean. After each meal, soak or rinse your retainer for a few minutes in warm water. Brush it with a different toothbrush to eliminate any debris. You can also scrub the inside and exterior of your retainer with mild dish soap.
Conclusion
Retainers are necessary to keep your dazzling whites completely straight until they accept the correct alignment as a permanent position. Corrective measures such as wearing braces again or enduring another corrective teeth alignment surgery may be required if retainers are not used as directed.
Dr. Kahan and her team of smiling experts in Los Angeles, California, prioritize keeping your smile and bite in place at Kahan Orthodontics! As a result, various excellent retainer options are available at the practice to provide maximum comfort and outcomes. Do you want to know which retainer choice is ideal for you, or do you need assistance with your orthodontic treatment? Call (818) 578-8782 or come by Kahan Orthodontics in Los Angeles, California today!