Clear aligners and retainers have some similarities, but patients can still feel like they’re experiencing two distinctly different stages of treatment between them. Today, Straight Smiles Orthodontics will give you some tips for maintaining a straight smile after clear aligners.
We like to remind our current and future patients of just how excellent our standard of care is at our offices. One of the things that makes us stand out is how different we are from corporate orthodontists, who treat you more like a number than a patient. Our family-owned practice will go above and beyond to make sure your treatment is all about you!
What Does Retention Mean?
Retention refers to the phase following active orthodontic treatment, where the focus shifts to maintaining your fantastic new results. This crucial stage ensures that your teeth stay in their new positions and do not revert to their original alignment.
Let’s delve deeper into what retention involves:
- Retention Devices: Once you’ve completed your active treatment with your aligners, Dr. Tom or Dr. Nicholas Rafaill will provide you with retainers. These can be fixed (attached to the back of the teeth) or removable (plastic or wire-based). Retainers are essential for stabilizing your teeth while the surrounding bone and tissues adapt to their new positions.to adjust to their new positions.
- Importance of Compliance: Wearing your retainers as directed is essential to prevent your teeth from shifting back and protect your treatment results. Never try to create your own schedule or discontinue use.
- Duration of Retention: The length of time you’ll need to wear retainers varies by individual. Initially, you may need to wear them full-time, gradually transitioning to night-time use. Our team will provide you with a tailored schedule based on your specific needs.
- Regular Check-ups: Your appointments with Straight Smiles Orthodontics continue after your active treatment. Follow-up visits are important to monitor your teeth’s stability and ensure your retainers are fitting correctly. We will adjust your retention plan as needed.
Again, bear in mind that every single patient is slightly different, and we value these differences. Our incredible community has provided us with feedback about our quality of care.
FAQs About Retention
Q: Can I eat with my retainer in?
No, you should remove your retainer when eating or drinking anything other than water. Food particles can get trapped in the retainer, which can impact your oral hygiene.
Q: What if I lose or damage my retainer?
If you lose or damage your retainer, contact our office right away. We can provide you with instructions on what to do next or arrange for a replacement to ensure your treatment results are maintained.
Q: Will I need to wear retainers for the rest of my life?
Many patients wear their retainers for several years after treatment, and you may need to wear them part-time indefinitely. Straight Smiles Orthodontics will guide you on what’s best for your situation.
Keeping Your Smile Straight
So, how can you help maintain your results after using clear aligners? This typically depends on carefully following your instructions from our Straight Smiles Orthodontics team. Here are some additional tips for treatment to help you in the long run, both before and after retention:
- Adhere to Our Advice: Follow all recommendations we might have for wearing your aligners as prescribed. Missing appointments can also greatly delay your progress.
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Having aligners usually means needing a good oral hygiene routine, and this needs to extend into the retention phase, too. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent the formation of cavities and gum disease, both of which can interfere with the treatment and cause issues during retention.
- Use an Electric Toothbrush: Using an electric toothbrush helps with effectively cleaning your teeth, which is vital for avoiding problems that could impact your treatment outcome with clear aligners.
- Attend All Appointments: Attend all scheduled appointments with us during your active treatment. We use this time for monitoring progress and making adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
- Report Any Issues Promptly: If you ever experience any issues with your aligners, let us know as soon as possible. Waiting to resolve issues can be dangerous to the overall success of your smile.
- Follow Up on Any Necessary Adjustments: If our team recommends additional adjustments or changes to your treatment plan, make sure they’re enforced in a timely manner.
Straight, Stable, and Secure
Our team hopes this blog has highlighted the important role you play in your treatment and given you a clearer picture of what to expect after your active clear aligner treatment concludes. We’re proud to be the longest running family-owned orthodontic office in Michigan, and can’t wait to meet you! We have three offices for your convenience, in Shelby Township, Novi, and Rochester Hill.