Retainers Near You
Upon the completion of orthodontic treatment, most patients will need to wear a retainer. Your dentist in North York will ensure that it fits you properly by taking impressions of your mouth. Providing retainers is a standard preventative practice, so if you’re told you need one, you are not alone. Here at Dentistry on Bayview, we offer orthodontic retainers. Contact us to find out more.
So … What are Retainers For?
A retainer is a device that fits over your top and bottom row of teeth. They are designed to keep your teeth in place, preventing movement after your braces or clear aligner trays are removed. Essentially, it is a simple but effective preventative measure to maintain your beautiful smile and eliminate the need for future treatment. Just slip them in before you sleep; that’s all there is to it!
Like any dental prosthetic, your retainers are carefully created to fit you exactly. You will get used to having them on the longer you wear them. However, if you forget or choose not to put them in for a few days, they will feel quite tight.
Medical-grade plastic is used to fashion orthodontic retainers; if you need any adjustments, talk to your dentist so they can address them immediately.
Finally, retainers are not meant to last forever. Over time, they will become worn down and even cracked, especially if you clench your teeth while sleeping. Eventually, you will need to book an appointment with a dentist near you so they can create a new set. Let them know if you have any questions.
How Long Do You Wear a Retainer For?
The short answer is it depends on the patient. A general breakdown of the timeline is below:
Right After Treatment Completion
After your orthodontic treatment, your dentist will likely inform you that you must wear your retainers full-time for several months. This is done to ensure that your smile stays in place. Your dentist will monitor the stability of your teeth during routine checkups.
Transition Phase
Further down the road, your dentist may say you can transition from wearing your retainers every night to only a few times a week. After all, the more frequently and dutifully you wear them, the better it is for your smile.
Long-Term Use
Dentists and orthodontists alike frequently recommend life-long retainer use, wearing them every week. Even though orthodontic care can effectively improve crooked smiles, your teeth can still move around as you age, so to prevent the need for secondary treatment, wear your retainer!
Need Assistance? Contact Our Team
No matter what kind of dental service you and your family need, we can help. Get in touch with our expert staff to book a consultation at a time that works with your schedule.
Alongside standard dental treatments, we are happy to provide specialized services to all our patients, including braces, Invisalign, and retainers in North York. For more information, call, email, or drop by our neighborhood dental office today.
See you soon!