Orthodontic retention is crucial after the removal of braces to maintain your new, straight smile. Retainers help stabilize the position of your teeth as the surrounding tissues adapt. There are various types of retainers:
Traditional Removable Retainers
These have a metal wire surrounding the teeth, attached to an acrylic arch resting in the mouth’s roof. The wire can be adjusted to continue minor tooth movements as necessary.
Aligner-style Retainers (Essix Retainers)
These clear retainers resemble aligners and cover either all the teeth or just the front six. They are less visible than wire retainers and are made from a mold of your aligned teeth.
Fixed Retainers
These involve wires bonded behind the top and/or bottom teeth. Often used for a prolonged period post-treatment, they might be recommended for lifetime use after the extraction of wisdom teeth.