Finally, the big day has finally arrived: your braces are coming off! Your orthodontic treatment is finally over! But not so fast... you need to wear a retainer.
We do feel for you, but the fact is that retainers are just as important in the orthodontic treatment process as braces are.
Why do you need a retainer?
Retainer are custom-made orthodontic appliances that ‘retain’ your teeth in their new, corrected positions.
Now that your braces are off, your teeth need time to settle into the soft tissue and jaw bone surrounding them. This process takes time, and the retainer functions to prevent your teeth from shifting out of their new positions once your braces are no longer there to hold them in place.
To maintain the beautiful results of your orthodontic treatment, be sure to always wear your retainer as your orthodontist prescribes.
How do you need to wear your retainer?
Most of Dr. Kanani's patients wear their retainers full time for about a year, but this time frame can vary quite a bit from one person to another.
Dr. Kanani will monitor the stability of your teeth during your time wearing your retainer, and prescribe full time or part time wear based on your progress.
Are retainers comfortable?
You may feel some soreness, discomfort or pressure while wearing your retainer. This is normal, so don’t worry!
At the end of the day the more consistently you wear your retainer, the more comfortable it will feel.
