The Importance of Retainers
Your Smile’s Best Friend After Braces
Congratulations! You’ve completed your orthodontic treatment at SBK Orthodontics in Ann Arbor, and your smile looks absolutely amazing. After months or even years of wearing braces or aligners, you’re finally ready to show off those perfectly aligned teeth. But before you think your orthodontic journey is completely finished, there’s one more crucial step: wearing your retainers.
At SBK Orthodontics, we want all our Ann Arbor patients to understand that retainers aren’t just an optional accessory after treatment. They’re an essential part of maintaining the beautiful results you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Let’s explore why retainers are so important and what you need to know about caring for them.
Understanding How Teeth Move
Your teeth are held in place by a network of fibers and soft tissue in your jawbone. During orthodontic treatment, we apply controlled pressure to gradually move your teeth into their ideal positions. However, once that pressure is removed, your teeth naturally want to drift back toward their original positions. This tendency is called orthodontic relapse, and it can happen surprisingly quickly without proper retention.
Think of your teeth like a memory foam mattress. When you apply pressure, it changes shape, but once you remove that pressure, it wants to return to its original form. Your teeth work similarly. The bone and tissue around your teeth need time to stabilize and adapt to their new positions. This is where retainers come in, holding your teeth steady while your mouth adjusts to the changes.
Types of Retainers We Offer
At our Ann Arbor location, SBK Orthodontics provides several retainer options to suit different needs and lifestyles. Removable retainers, like the clear Essix retainers or traditional Hawley retainers, can be taken out for eating and cleaning. These are popular choices because they’re comfortable and nearly invisible.
Fixed or bonded retainers are another option. These consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth, typically the lower front teeth. Many patients appreciate fixed retainers because they don’t require remembering to wear them, and they provide continuous protection against tooth movement. During your final appointment, our team will discuss which type of retainer is best for your specific situation and lifestyle.
The Retention Schedule
When you first complete your active treatment, you’ll need to wear your retainer full time, usually 22 hours per day, removing it only for eating and cleaning. This initial phase typically lasts for several months, though the exact duration varies based on your individual treatment.
After this intensive period, most patients can transition to wearing their retainer only at night. However, this nighttime wear isn’t just for a few weeks or months. To maintain your results long term, you’ll likely need to wear your retainer at least a few nights per week indefinitely. Many orthodontists, including our team at SBK Orthodontics, recommend permanent retention to ensure your smile stays beautiful for life.
What Happens Without Retainers
We’ve seen many patients in our Ann Arbor office who stopped wearing their retainers and regretted it. Even a few weeks without retention can allow noticeable shifting, especially in the first year after treatment. Some patients experience minor changes, while others see significant relapse that requires additional orthodontic intervention.
The frustration of watching your teeth shift after investing time and money into orthodontic treatment is completely avoidable. Wearing your retainer as prescribed is a simple way to protect your investment and keep your smile looking its best.
Caring for Your Retainer
Proper retainer care ensures it remains effective and hygienic. Clean your removable retainer daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. When you’re not wearing it, store your retainer in its protective case to prevent loss or damage. For fixed retainers, pay special attention to flossing around the bonded wire. Our team can show you techniques and tools that make this easier.
Your Partner in Lifelong Oral Health
At SBK Orthodontics in Ann Arbor, we’re committed to helping you maintain your beautiful smile for years to come. We’re always here to answer questions about your retainer, provide replacements if needed, and monitor your retention progress during follow-up appointments.
Remember, wearing your retainer is the final, ongoing step in your orthodontic journey. It’s a small commitment that yields significant rewards. By following your retention plan, you’re ensuring that your investment in orthodontic treatment continues to pay dividends with a confident, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. If you have any questions about retainers or need to schedule a retention check, don’t hesitate to contact our Ann Arbor office today!
