A pair of dental retainers

Are Retainers Necessary After Dental Braces From a League City Family Dentist?

Getting your braces off after years of being bonded to it is an exciting feeling. The grand reveal makes all the trips to your League City family dentist worthwhile. Each bracket will be carefully removed. Your teeth will be cleaned to make sure no cement residue is left. After which, you are left with a beautiful smile. So what now? The next phase of your dental treatment are dental retainers. They are absolutely necessary to keep your teeth straight after braces.

The Importance of Retainers After Braces

After treatment with dental braces, your teeth have not yet fully set in. They have new positions that they need to get used to first. This is where retainers come in. They make sure the years you spent with League City dental braces don’t go to waste. Even though you have perfect teeth now, it may not be the case if you don’t wear your retainers. They keep your teeth aligned and your bite corrected. 

Types of Retainers

Retainers are available as removable and fixed types. For the removable retainers, you can take them off when you’re brushing your teeth or eating. They also come in handy when you need to take important photos. You won’t be able to do this with the fixed-type of retainers. However, they are installed in an unobtrusive spot in your mouth, usually behind the teeth. The advantage is that you’ll never forget or lose them.

How Long Should You Wear Retainers?

Your League City family dentist will determine how long you should wear retainers. The length would depend on your age, number of years with braces, and severity of your condition. Your League City dentist may ask you to wear retainers anywhere from months to years. You need to come in for regular visits to make sure everything is in place. Your dentist will determine if you can start wearing retainers only during bedtime.

Keeping Your Retainers Clean

Always keep your retainers in a case when you’re not using them. Keep this case accessible to you at all times. Your dentist may prescribe a cleaning method for you. They may ask you to clean it with a brush or towel. You may also be directed to soak it in a denture cleaner. Keep your retainers away from extreme heat, pets, and children.

Visit Your League City Family Dentist Today

Ensure your dental treatment is successful by wearing retainers from Autumn Family Dentistry. We believe that a healthy smile is always in season. We provide comprehensive family dentistry, from restorative to esthetic services, all under one roof. Our friendly, modern, and family-owned office provides a pleasant experience to everyone. You can bring your whole family in for a checkup. Our convenient facility maximizes safety and comfort. Call us today for questions on dental retainers. We look forward to serving you.