Are you interested in a Litchfield Park, AZ, orthodontist? Here at
Olson Orthodontics, we are a family orthodontist in Litchfield Park and Verrado providing high-quality orthodontics services to adults and children. We believe that everyone deserves a smile they can feel confident about, which is why we strive to provide comfortable and convenient orthodontics care.
Retainers are common orthodontic devices designed to keep your teeth straight. Almost all patients need a retainer after completing treatment with braces or Invisalign to straighten their teeth. Continue reading to learn the pros and cons of a retainer.
Pros of Removable Retainers
There are many benefits of having a retainer, including:
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Straight Teeth: Braces and Invisalign straighten your teeth. Retainers help keep your teeth in their new position as they settle and your bones, muscles, and gum tissue adapts to the new changes. Over time everyone’s teeth shift, so a retainer helps maintain teeth in the proper position after treatment.
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Combats Clenching: Teeth clenching can lead to headaches and teeth grinding. Clenching can be a common problem for those who have just taken off their braces or Invisalign, but wearing a retainer can help with this problem.
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Defends Against Tongue Thrust: It's common for some people to thrust their tongue forward as they talk, eat, or drink. But thrusting the tongue can gradually push teeth forward. Wearing a retainer acts as a line of defense against the teeth shifting from the tongue pressure..
Cons of Removable Retainers
Although necessary, wearing retainers does have some risks, including:
- Consistent Wear Requirements: For retainers to work, you will need to wear them as instructed. This often means wearing removable retainers at night while you sleep as long as you want your teeth to stay straight. This is something that can be difficult for some people to do over time, but it is worth it to protect the investment you’ve made in your smile.
- Cleaning: Over time removable retainers may stain and develop deposits of minerals from saliva. With proper cleaning and wear retainers often can last well over 5 years. Dr. Olson and his team help their patients to understand how and why to clean their retainers so they last as long as possible.
Dr Olson Orthodontist Verrado
Are you interested in a family Orthodontist in Verrado or Litchfield Park for customized retainers? Do you need a Litchfield Park, AZ, orthodontist who prioritizes your oral needs. Dr. Olson Orthodontist in Verrado and Litchfield Park and his team will work closely with you to determine the best type of retainer that will work best for you.
Contact us today to learn more.