Keeping your Teeth Straight After Orthodontics

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, the aftercare can be just as important as the initial treatment. The last thing you want is for your teeth to move back to their old positions or become crooked in the months or years after your braces have been removed. But how can you ensure it doesn't happen?
 

Why Teeth Move Back

Our teeth have good memories! They know which positions  they were in before orthodontic treatment and they often want to return to this place. Known as 'relapse', it is more likely that teeth will return to their pre-braces positions where there were spaces between the teeth or the teeth were very twisted. Teeth and gums can take many years to settle after braces have been removed.

The celebration of life is that we are constantly changing and tooth movement is no exception. It is universally accepted that minor tooth movements will occur in all individuals and that many medical issues may influence the turnover of bone and subsequent movement of teeth within the bone.   
 

Removable & Fixed Retainers

There are several types of retainers orthodontists use to keep teeth in the correct position once braces have been removed.
 

Removable Retainers

Clear plastic retainers worn on the top and bottom teeth are often used after braces are removed. The retainers are taken out for eating and teeth cleaning but otherwise, they are left in all day and night to keep teeth in their position. Usually after some months  the retainers may be worn only at night to hold the teeth's positions.
 

Fixed Retainers

Bottom teeth are particularly prone to become crooked again after braces if a retainer isn't used. Some patients opt for a fixed wire on the inside of their bottom teeth to keep them in place. The wire stays on the teeth permanently or for several years at least. There are different types of fixed retainers and your orthodontist may recommend one for you.