Having your braces adjusted every four to six weeks was an essential aspect of realigning your teeth. Once the deviations in your dentition have been thoroughly corrected Dr. John R. Schouten can remove your braces.
It’s important to understand that this is not the end of the process. A modest amount of tension will still remain in the connective tissues and periodontal ligaments that anchor your teeth in the sockets and periodontal tissues. If it isn’t addressed and countered it could gradually cause your teeth to relapse out of their ideal orientation.
To prevent your teeth from drifting out of their intended position, Dr. John R. Schouten will provide you with some form or retainer. This can be done immediately after your braces have been removed. There are several different types of the retainer that Dr. John R. Schouten might recommend for you.
Hawley retainers are the most common option for preserving the alignment of your teeth. This is a thin piece of orthodontic acrylic that conforms to the unique shape of your mouth. It will be secured in your mouth by a set of wires that lock onto specific teeth.
A clear plastic retainer might only be called for if braces were needed to correct a minor alignment issue. It is a more common option for people who had their teeth corrected with Invisalign®.
If you had several teeth that required significant correction, Dr. John R. Schouten might recommend installing a fixed retainer. This is a sturdy metal band that is cemented in place behind the teeth. It might be combined with removable Hawley retainer on the upper teeth.
If you live in Price, Utah, and you have questions about retainers, you can always call 435.637.0820 to speak to orthodontic specialists at Schouten Orthodontics.
