Retainers in Oklahoma City & Kingfisher, OK

Retainers are custom-made orthodontic devices that help maintain the alignment of your teeth after braces. They are usually made of plastic or a combination of metal and plastic, depending on your specific needs.

Retainers work by applying gentle pressure to your teeth which keeps them in place. After orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners, some patients may require full-time retainer use, while others only need them at night.

It's essential to follow our orthodontist's instructions when it comes to wearing retainers, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the results achieved through previous orthodontic treatments. If you neglect to wear your retainer regularly, there is a high chance that your teeth could shift back into their original position, resulting in relapse. 

In summary, retainers serve as an important tool for maintaining proper alignment and preventing any relapses from occurring after completing previous treatments such as braces or aligner therapy.

How Do They Work?

Retainers are orthodontic devices used to maintain the position of teeth after braces have been removed. They work by applying gentle and continuous pressure on the teeth, keeping them in their newly aligned positions. Retainers can either be fixed or removable, depending on what our orthodontist recommends.

Fixed retainers consist of a small wire that is attached to the back of your front teeth with dental cement. This type of retainer is not visible when you smile and doesn't require any effort from the wearer since it's always working behind the scenes.

Removable retainers, on the other hand, come in different shapes and sizes but are usually made up of a combination of plastic and wires. These types of retainers must be worn for a specific number of hours each day as recommended by our orthodontist.

Wearing retainers regularly is crucial because if they're not worn as instructed, there's a risk that your teeth could shift back into their original positions over time. Your orthodontist will recommend how long you should wear your retainer based on how much correction was required during treatment.

In summary, whether you need a fixed or removable retainer depends entirely on your specific needs and goals for treatment. Regardless of which one you choose, wearing them consistently as prescribed by our orthodontist will ensure that those perfectly straight pearly whites stay put!

Why Do People Need Them?

After undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, patients are often required to wear retainers. Retainers help maintain the new position of the teeth by keeping them from shifting back into their original position.

It is important for patients to wear their retainers consistently and as instructed by their orthodontist. Failure to do so may result in needing additional corrective treatment or even a relapse of the original condition.

Retaining proper alignment after orthodontic treatment requires dedication and commitment from both the patient and their orthodontist. By following instructions and using retainer devices correctly, individuals can enjoy lasting results and avoid any potential complications down the road.

Call HEIM ORTHODONTICS at (405) 755-8151 (Oklahoma City, OK) or (405) 375-5328 (Kingfisher, OK) to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist or to learn more about our orthodontic services.