Retainers

Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you want to do everything you can to preserve your results. That’s where retainers come in, and Jean Seibold McGill, DDS, MS, PC, and the team at McGill Orthodontics in Easton and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, offer top quality retainers to help you keep your smile looking its best. Book a visit online or over the phone today to get started.

What are retainers?

Retainers are devices that help prevent your teeth from shifting out of alignment after you complete your active orthodontic care. They provide a way to protect your investment of time, effort, and money.

There are various retainers to choose from. Some are made of plastic, while others have metal components. You can even use a lingual wire-style retainer, which is affixed to the back sides of your teeth.

As you near the end of active orthodontic treatment and prepare to have your braces removed or say goodbye to your aligners, Dr. McGill discusses the type of retainer you need to maintain your treatment results.

Why are retainers such an important part of orthodontic care?

Each of your teeth is anchored in the underlying bone tissue. While this is a strong connection, your teeth can certainly shift within that bone. Most people don’t think of bone as living tissue, but the cells of your bones are constantly in a state of renewal.

Once your teeth are in their improved position, movement can occur after your braces come off. Retainers act to “remind” your teeth of their new positioning and to prevent them from shifting back into poor alignment.

It’s important to wear your retainer as instructed. Failing to do so can alter the results of your treatment, and can even lead to the need to have additional orthodontic care down the road. 

How can I help my child remember to wear their retainers?

Most kids are excited to have their braces off and enjoy their new smile. Many struggle with following guidelines, whether at home, at school, or from the orthodontist. 

It’s normal for kids to take some time getting used to wearing a retainer. Unless your child completed treatment using Invisalign® or Spark™ aligners, they probably didn’t have to worry about complying with many instructions.

Retainers are more challenging because they can be removed at will. Some kids simply forget to put their retainer back in after eating or brushing their teeth. Others don’t like the sensation of wearing a retainer and try to avoid it whenever possible.

If your child is not wearing their retainer as advised, it’s worth your time and effort to try and step in. Talk about the importance of wearing the retainer and how it’s a sign of maturity to take care of these things without constant reminders.

If you need help, schedule a visit at McGill Orthodontics to discuss ways to keep your child’s orthodontic results intact. In some cases, an affixed retainer is the best course of action when a child won’t wear a removable retainer as directed. Call or click online today to book a visit.