The day the braces come off, or the final Invisalign aligner is retired, is a day worth celebrating. But orthodontic treatment has one final and permanent chapter, retention. Here is how to protect the smile you worked so hard for.
Why teeth move back. Teeth are held by living tissue that adapts slowly. After treatment, the fibers around the teeth still remember their old positions and will gently pull the teeth back for months and even years. This natural tendency is called relapse, and it is the reason retainers exist.
Types of retainers. A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth. You cannot forget it, and it works silently around the clock. A removable retainer is a clear plate worn mainly at night. Many patients use a combination of both. At Mea Dent we recommend the right solution based on your case.
How long to wear a retainer. The honest answer is, as long as you want your teeth to stay straight. The first year is the most critical, but night wear over the long term is the safest guarantee of a stable result.
Caring for your retainer. Clean removable retainers daily with a soft brush and cool water, keep them in their box when not in use, and bring them to every checkup so we can verify the fit. If a fixed retainer feels loose or a wire breaks, contact us promptly.
Do not forget regular checkups. Visits every six months let us monitor your retention, clean your teeth professionally and keep your smile healthy as well as straight.
Questions about retention, or need a replacement retainer? Contact Mea Dent at +355 69 570 4444 or on WhatsApp and Viber at +355 69 570 4422.
