After completing orthodontic treatment, there is an important final stage, which is the retention phase to stabilize the teeth. Dentists recommend patients to wear retainers after the completion of orthodontic treatment. This is because there is a chance that the teeth may relapse or shift after orthodontic treatment, so it is necessary to wear retainers to reduce the possibility of teeth shifting. In the past, many people have experienced tooth shifting because they did not wear retainers, and as a result, they needed to undergo orthodontic treatment again. Therefore, wearing retainers is essential.
Why do teeth shift after orthodontic treatment?
During orthodontic treatment, teeth move due to the pressure exerted by the orthodontic appliances. When teeth move, one side of the tooth bone shrinks while the other side undergoes growth. After completing orthodontic treatment, teeth have a tendency to return to their original position. The tissues near the tooth roots, including the tooth bone and gums, need time to adapt to the new tooth position. Therefore, wearing retainers is necessary to reduce the chance of teeth shifting.
How long should retainers be worn?
After completing orthodontic treatment, dentists usually recommend that patients should wear retainers for a lifetime because teeth can still shift after orthodontic treatment, and teeth also move as we age.
In the first year after completing orthodontic treatment, teeth are still in a relatively unstable stage. Therefore, dentists generally recommend that patients wear retainers for longer periods, preferably for the first six months to a year. Even missing a day or two of wearing retainers can potentially cause slight tooth shifting. Once the teeth are more stable, the wearing time of retainers can be reduced to only nighttime, but it is recommended to wear them for 8 hours or more every day. If you feel tight or exert significant pressure on the teeth when you put on the retainer, it is advisable to extend the wearing time of it.
Of course, the wearing time of retainers may vary depending on individual circumstances. The most important thing is to follow the guidance of the dentist to achieve the best treatment results.
What are the remedies if teeth have shifted?
If the teeth have only slightly shifted and the patient is satisfied with the condition of the teeth after slight shifting, new retainers can be made based on the current tooth position. This method can only prevent further tooth shifting as much as possible but cannot adjust the position of the teeth.
Another direct solution is to undergo orthodontic treatment again. To meet the needs of the public, there are now many simplified clear aligners treatments led by dentists. After a diagnosis by a dentist, there is a chance to undergo orthodontic treatment at a lower cost. However, redo and orthodontic treatment may not necessarily achieve the initial treatment results because the position and space of the teeth that were created by tooth stripping and extraction have changed significantly from the original plan. Therefore, the dentist needs to develop a new treatment plan, and it may not be able to achieve the initial ideal treatment results.
Listen to the dentist's advice
In summary, retainers are crucial for maintaining the stability of tooth position. They help the bone and soft tissues near the teeth adapt to the new tooth position, ensuring the long-term effectiveness and stability of orthodontic treatment.There are different types of retainers, and dentists will develop a suitable retainer plan based on the patient's condition to achieve the best treatment results.
