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Can retainers damage teeth?
One of the common misconceptions that patients have is that when teeth are fixed with orthodontic treatment, they are fixed for life. That is not true. Once your braces are off, doctors are going to suggest retainers.
When your treatment with braces or Invisalign is complete, there is sometimes an immediate tendency for the teeth to drift back to their original position. It is possible to minimize this tendency, but this is often a primary issue for up to eighteen months after treatment.
What are retainers, and how will they help?
A retainer is a metal or plastic device that maintains a patient’s teeth aligned after braces or Invisalign treatment is completed. They are custom-molded to fit each patient’s mouth and offer the necessary pressure and guidance to keep teeth from reverting to their prior position.
Retainers function by “retaining” the teeth in their new positions. Your doctor will include the type of retainer and the length of time required in the individualized treatment plan for you. Retainers come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
The majority are detachable, but some are fixed behind your front teeth. They all have the same purpose: to keep your teeth straight and in place, but they go about it differently.
Can my retainer damage my teeth?
Retainers rarely change the structure of the teeth. A retainer should not compromise the tooth’s integrity in any way. If a retainer is overly tight, it can cause crowding by moving teeth in the wrong direction. If the retainer is excessively loose, it may not provide appropriate alignment.
A retainer will not harm your teeth if made by a competent Orthodontist and fits correctly. Fitting is something that your trained Orthodontic Specialist may assist you with.