Retainer After Braces and Aligners

What Are Retainers For?

Orthodontic retainers are custom-made devices people wear over their teeth to keep them in their new position after braces. Often, even after braces make teeth straight, they aren't always completely firm in their corrected position. The gums, bones, and muscles can move to their old positions from everyday grinding and chewing.

Wearing teeth retainers helps teeth stay in their new designated position, keeping your smile exactly how you want it.

Why Do You Need to Wear a Retainer After SureSmile Treatment?

Most people think their SureSmile treatments end when they finish with their aligners. However, orthodontists immediately recommend receiving a retainer and instructions after SureSmile treatment for the best results.

Teeth retainers maintain the teeth's position during the healing process. Ligaments, bones, and muscles hold teeth in position, and it takes some time to reform and stabilize them in corrected positions. Not wearing retainers can cause the teeth to relapse to their original position. Though they might not fully relapse, they may move to the point that they require retreatment.

One of the benefits of wearing retainers is that they ease the patient out of orthodontic treatment. Patients can wear them less over time, mostly at night.