When you invest in teeth straightening treatments, like braces or Invisalign®, it is important to think of what comes after you stop wearing them. You might wonder how long teeth straightening treatments last. Well, it all depends on how you treat your teeth afterward.
When people want a straight smile, they usually only consider the time that is actively spent straightening the teeth. This goes for people using any form of orthodontic treatment. Many do not realize that retention is just as important. This means keeping the teeth straight even after finishing the dental treatment. It is possible to ensure teeth do not ever move back, especially when people understand why this can happen.
Braces and other orthodontic techniques can be quite effective at moving a person’s teeth into a normal position rather than the gapped or crooked way the teeth sat before. However, braces cannot move the ligaments connecting the jawbone to a person’s teeth. These ligaments were stretched during the dental treatment. So, after completing the orthodontic treatment, these elastic ligaments will try and pull a person’s teeth into the natural starting position.
There are clear, plastic retainers available to wear on the top and bottom sets of teeth. These are often used once braces are taken off. These new retainers can be removed when it is time for someone to eat or brush their teeth. Other than those circumstances, the patient can leave the retainers in all day and all night, so teeth keep the correct position. After a few months, the patient can switch the retainers to night use only.
The bottom set of teeth are especially prone to move back to the previous positions after braces. Thus, some patients will decide on a fixed wire that is placed on the inside of the bottom teeth. This new wire will keep the teeth in place. It will remain there permanently, or at least for a few years. A dental team or orthodontist may recommend one of several types of fixed retainers.
Every person is different. The length of time it is necessary to wear a retainer will be dependent on what problems the teeth straightening treatment was used for. The treatment plan and the teeth’s reaction to it will play a role in how long the dentist will recommend a retainer for.
A nightly retainer can be used indefinitely, especially if a person is prone to clenching or grinding teeth at night. Minor movements of the teeth should be expected as people age. It is unrealistic to expect teeth to retain the newly straightened appearance forever without any maintenance and follow up. It is important to follow all dental recommendations, both during and after treatment.
If you want to improve your teeth straightening treatment, talk to your dentist or orthodontist about their suggested retainer options. Wearing a retainer is normal, so keep them in mind after completing your orthodontic treatment. Keep your smile straight longer.
Are you considering teeth straightening in the San Jose area? Get more information at https://www.ddsbaik.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A mouth guard is a protective covering worn over teeth to protect them while playing sports or grinding them at night. In the past, the use of mouth guards was mostly restricted to athletes. These days, more parents are following their dentists' advice and getting mouth guards for their kids who participate in physical sports.Every…
If you find yourself scared of visiting the dentist or undergoing dental procedures, you might benefit from sedation dentistry. Most people dealing with dental anxiety would rather endure pain from dental issues instead of meet with the dentist. Sedation dentistry can help you deal with your dental fears and relax in the dentist's chair. The…
Replacing your missing tooth protects your dental health while restoring the appearance of your smile. Replacing a lost tooth with an oral prosthetic often starts with a consultation with a dentist. The dentist evaluates the patient’s teeth and gums before recommending missing teeth replacement options that are best suited for them.Consulting with a dentist about…
Periodontics care is specialized dental care for treating and preventing periodontal disease from reappearing. Scaling and root planing may be performed on patients with periodontal disease to eliminate bacterial plaque and other toxins. Gum disease-causing bacteria can reappear three to four months after initial treatment. As a result, the dentist will recommend coming for cleanings…
Find out if your child should be wearing a mouth guard while playing sports.
Patients will take medications that will push them into a near unconscious or fully unconscious…
Consulting with a dentist about replacing a missing tooth is not much different than a…
Deep cleanings are usually performed three to four times a year at the dental office.
Dental veneers are coverings that sit on the front, visible surfaces of the teeth.
You may not think much about TMJ disorder unless a dentist diagnoses you with it.…