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The Importance of Retainers

Home » Blog » The Importance of Retainers

Getting braces off is always a big day, but did you know that your orthodontic treatment isn’t over once your braces are removed? Maintaining your new straight smile is a long-term commitment that doesn’t end just because you’re no longer coming to Craig & Streight for check-ups every 4-8 weeks!

Once upon a time, we thought that when we put teeth into the “right” positions, they would stay that way forever. Research over the last twenty years or so has shown that this isn’t accurate, however. There isn’t any one “right” position we can put teeth in that will guarantee a permanent, unchanging result. Most people will experience changes to their tooth alignment as they get older, whether or not they’ve ever had orthodontic treatment.

To understand this kind of movement, we need to look at the two types of changes that occur after orthodontic treatment.

Post-treatment movement

When your treatment is complete, there can sometimes be an immediate tendency for your teeth to drift back into their original positions. It might sound strange, but this is due to the “memory” your teeth, bone, and gum tissues have. Studies have shown that over time, this tendency lessens, but it can often be an issue for up to 18 months post-treatment.

There’s also a slower, longer lasting change that occurs over time. This is likely due to a gradual “uprighting” movement of the front teeth in the lower jaw, which occurs naturally with age. This can cause teeth to crowd as they move toward the tongue.

Having your teeth straightened using braces or Invisalign in your teens or as an adult won’t prevent either of these changes. The only guaranteed way to keep your teeth from shifting into undesirable positions and your bite stable is to hold them in the correct positions indefinitely using a retainer.

What retainers are & how they work

A retainer is simply a metal or plastic device that keeps the teeth aligned after a patient has completed their braces or Invisalign treatment. They are individually molded to fit into each patient’s mouth, and provide the kind of pressure and guidance needed to prevent teeth from drifting back into their previous alignment. Retainers work by quite literally “retaining” the teeth in their new position.

retainers

When we create a customized treatment plan for you, it will include the type of retainer and the duration time needed. There are several types of commonly used retainers. Most are removable, but some are permanently attached behind your front teeth. Although they all share the same goal of keeping your teeth straight and in place, they accomplish this in different ways. We’ll be able to determine the appropriate retainer for you based on your particular treatment and your age, among other factors.

The two main types of retainers generally recommended for patients to wear are

Hawley retainers: these are the most commonly used retainers for the upper teeth. A Hawley retainer consists of an acrylic piece shaped to fit the upper mouth, with a wire that surrounds the outer surface of the upper teeth.

Essix Retainers: these retainers are completely clear. With a similar design and look to Invisalign aligners, Essix retainers are designed to fit over all the teeth, and aren’t as noticeable as Hawley retainers.

Will I have to wear a retainer forever?

There are many different factors that will affect the exact amount of time you’ll need to wear a retainer. In the first three to six months after your braces are removed, most orthodontists will recommend you wear it at all times, except when you’re eating or brushing your teeth. Once your teeth have started to stabilize in their new position, you’ll normally be able to start wearing your retainer overnight only. Doing this over a period of about 1-3 years after your braces are removed will prevent an immediate orthodontic relapse. You might not have to wear your retainer forever, but to keep a beautiful straight smile teeth for the rest of your life, most orthodontists recommend you continue to wear a retainer to bed at least two or three nights a week indefinitely.

What will happen if I don’t wear a retainer?

Since retainers are designed to keep your teeth in a straight position, not wearing it as directed over a long period of time will cause problems. If you accidentally skip a day or two, your teeth won’t immediately spring back into their previous crowded or crooked positions. But over time, your teeth will begin to gradually gravitate back to where they used to be. Many patients are rigorous about wearing their retainer in the first few years after braces treatment, but then wear it less and less until they no longer bother with wearing it at all. This can result in noticeably shifted teeth.

Ill-fitting retainers

If you don’t wear your retainer for a while, it may no longer fit because your teeth have shifted so far away from their previous positions. If the misalignment is very slight, it may be possible to force the retainer back onto the teeth even if it’s not a perfect fit. Constantly wearing a retainer that’s only slightly too tight can push teeth back into place over time. However, this is not recommended if the misalignment is such that it requires you to use force to put your retainer back into place. Wearing a noticeably ill-fitting retainer can cause damage to the surface of the teeth, so be sure and contact us about being fitted for a new one if you can no longer wear yours comfortably.

Keeping your Craig & Streight smile for a lifetime

Just about every patient will experience some slight shifting after their braces are removed. Retainers are an important continuation of your orthodontic treatment because they help to prevent teeth from settling unevenly. If you’re in the Oklahoma City area, and are looking for more information on braces or Invisalign treatment, or post-orthodontic treatment with retainers, get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment at one of our three conveniently located offices. Here at Craig & Streight, we’re dedicated to giving you the smile of your dreams and ensuring you keep it!

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Patient Testimonials

Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Ladan M.
We had a great experience. Professional and caring personnel and super amazing Dr. Straight made it an easy choice to work with.
Kelly P.
Just started my fourth kid in treatment today. No where else we would go…from the front desk gals, fresh coffee for this tired momma, the hygienist, the dentists…it’s always been a great experience. Wonderful staff making amazing smiles!!!
Artoya
Staff and the doctor were very friendly and they explained everything in detail.
David B.
Took my twin girls in for braces today and we had an amazing experience. The entire staff went out of their way to answer all of our questions and they were so sweet with the girls. The girls left with new braces and big smiles and I left with confidence in my desicion. I highly recommend them!
Melissa M.
We love Craig & Streight! They have always been so friendly and helpful!
Chuck K.
I've had nothing but the best-ever experience at CSO; from check-in to the clinics, the staff is all one one page, professional and SO very friendly. They're living the corporate ethos, and it shows! If you need orthodontics, it's CSO for me from now on!
Tiffany R.
The greatest staff and doctors! They made a challenging situation so much easier. Huge hearts, professional and went above and beyond. I’m so appreciative.
Response from the owner:Hi Tiffany. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to make a challenging situation more manageable for you. Our staff is dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care, and it's heartwarming to know their efforts made a positive impact. We truly appreciate your kind words!
Vielje G.
Love the service, staffs are very friendly and approachable and always on point with their work.
Response from the owner:Hey Vielje. Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Providing friendly and attentive service is what we strive for, and your feedback truly motivates us to keep up the great work!
Kari C.
This is our second child receiving braces at Craig & Streight and we could not be happier. The staff is kind, efficient, and happy to answer all of our questions.
Response from the owner:Hi Kari. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family are so pleased with the care your children are receiving. Our team is dedicated to providing a supportive and informative environment, and it’s great to know that their efforts are making a positive impact. We appreciate your trust in us!
Michael T.
Everyone at the Mustang location is amazing... They are always polite and know exactly what they are supposed to do... Very professional... I have and will continue to refer people to use Craig and Streight Orthodontics...
Response from the owner:Hi Michael. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our Mustang team has made such a positive impression on you. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we’re dedicated to maintaining the high standards of professionalism and care that you’ve experienced. We appreciate your support!
Lacey C.
Friendly, explained everything well, felt very comfortable there. Had great games for the kids while waiting.
Response from the owner:Hi Lacey. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you felt comfortable and that our team took the time to explain everything. It's great to know the kids enjoyed the games while waiting. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to seeing you again!
Sherree M.
We always have a good experience at Craig & Streight. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They make my son at ease and he loves to earn "punches" so he can get a prize after so many visits.
Response from the owner:Hi Sherree. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your visits enjoyable and that your son is having fun earning his prizes. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to continuing to provide a positive environment for you and your family!
Q E
Goodbye, braces! I have finally completed my treatment! I want to thank all the staff members, especially Francis, who was exceptionally kind and went above and beyond to help me. I have hearing loss in one ear, and she was able to understand me perfectly. She is truly an amazing person.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear about your successful treatment and the positive impact our team, especially Francis, had on your journey. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing exceptional care. Wishing you all the best as you embrace your new smile!
Christina C.
Friendly staff. They answered all of our questions and put my daughter at ease to start her braces journey.
Response from the owner:Hi Christina. Thank you! We are thrilled that you had such a positive experience with our orthodontic practice!
JoAnn T.
Wow!! This place is so friendly! Makayla was so informative and friendly.
Response from the owner:Hi Joann. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience and that Makayla made a great impression. Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment, and it’s fantastic to know we’re hitting the mark. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Our locations

Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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Norman, OK 73069

1476 N. Mustang Rd.
Mustang, OK 73064
12100 S Western Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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