Retainers
During treatment teeth are held in position by your brace but when the brace is removed teeth can move back. Here at Wearside Orthodontics we believe that retention is a vital part of your treatment to keep the teeth in the desired position. If retainers are not worn as instructed, teeth can drift very quickly to their old position. Retainers must be worn as instructed by your orthodontist.
Naturally all teeth have a tendency to move during life, but wearing retainers will minimise this. Wear of the retainers is reduced over time so that eventually minimal use is required (once or twice a week at night). The type of retainer you are provided with will depend on your original situation, and we will recommend which is best for you. Sometimes a combination is required for many years. Our Essix retainers are removable retainers that are made entirely of transparent plastic, which makes them less noticeable than traditional wire retainers. They help with good dental hygiene as patients can take out their retainer when they brush and floss, and clean the retainer itself at the same time. Unlike some wire retainers, Essix retainers cover the entire arch of the teeth. We also provide patients with a fixed retainer option. These are a very thin piece of wire that is attached to the back of the teeth. They are very discreet and patients usually forget that they are there. Fixed retainers are in place all the time and are highly effective, though you do have to take care with eating certain food types. We will advise you on the best brushing and cleaning techniques if you are wearing fixed retainers. |
Essix transparent retainer
Fixed retainer
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