How Long Do I Have to Wear My Retainer?
At Sequence Orthodontics, we have watched the spectacular development of orthodontics. We are proud to be able to offer more services at lower prices than ever before. Tooth correction is now easier and more affordable than ever before. More patients are contacting us looking for ways to improve their smile forever, knowing they can find cost-effective, discrete solutions when they want to correct crooked or misaligned teeth.
We can guarantee life-long results to our patients who use retainers. Most patients will need to wear retainers for the rest of their life to guarantee that their teeth do not shift or move back into their previous position. Because braces are corrective, wearing retainers regularly helps make sure that old problems remain in the past.
What Do Retainers Do?
Simply put, retainers keep your teeth in place. They were developed to combat one of the greatest drawbacks of braces in the past; after years of pain, money and visits to the orthodontist, people found that their teeth gradually moved back into their original positions. Unfortunately, tooth shift is caused by a variety of problems, so there is no single way to prevent tooth shift. The only guaranteed prevention for tooth shift is to wear your retainer every night. The pressure applied by your retainers guarantees that you will keep your amazing results for the rest of your life. Retainers are molded to your teeth to guarantee the gradual changes created by your braces resist their natural urge to shift back into place.
The most amazing thing about retainers is how easy they are to use. All you have to do is put them in during the times recommended by your orthodontist. Most people wear their retainer while they are asleep, so many of our patients never even notice they are wearing their retainer.
Why Do I Need to Wear My Retainer?
Extensive orthodontic research into the life of patients after braces shows that all teeth have the potential to move. The most vulnerable teeth are those that just underwent treatment, especially in the case of patients who had particularly crowded or crooked teeth. Your teeth are especially susceptible just after your braces are removed, as the teeth still need to settle into their new places. After months of slow pressure pushing them into the right place, your teeth will drift back to their original locations if there is no pressure keeping them in their desired location.
Although it might seem daunting to face many years of remembering to put your retainer in at night, you can rest easy knowing our knowledgeable, compassionate team at Sequence Orthodontics is here to help. Contact us today or stop by one of our convenient locations in Waldorf or Leonardtown, Maryland. We are proud to serve the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., areas with our expertise in providing the very best orthodontic care.
All About Braces
For those of us with less than perfect teeth, it may seem like a perfect smile is out of reach. However, thanks to the amazing cutting-edge technology of modern medicine, orthodontists can recommend a whole range of options for correcting crooked, misaligned or improperly spaced teeth. One of the most popular options for orthodontic treatment is traditional wire braces. Wire braces can be used to target many different problems, from gaps in teeth, to an underbite, to an overbite, to crooked teeth. At Sequence Orthodontics, our years of experience serving our patients in Waldorf and Leonardtown, Maryland, make us the best choice for your orthodontic needs.
Do I Need Braces?
Braces can be used to target a range of issues. One of the biggest issues targeted by braces is crooked teeth. If your teeth just don’t seem to line up, braces can help guide your teeth into the proper position. Another problem braces can correct is gaps in your teeth. Many of us find that even after our adult teeth grow in, the gaps between our teeth do not go away. This can lead to poor oral hygiene, difficulty chewing and painful gums.
Additionally, braces can be used to adjust your underbite or overbite, fixing what orthodontists call “bad” bite. Bad bite can lead to a host of problems, such as tooth grinding, ineffective chewing and even problems with TMJ. In some cases, TMJ issues can lead to chronic headaches, painful migraines, and back and neck pain.
What Are the Benefits of Braces?
Not only can braces target a variety of problems with your teeth and jaw, they can also lead to better health in general. Braces can help decrease your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as they ensure easier oral hygiene and help you keep your teeth clean. Further, braces can help you avoid dental injuries like broken and chipped teeth. When teeth are misaligned or protruding, injuries occur more frequently. With straight, aligned teeth, you can avoid painful mistakes and expensive treatment.
In fact, braces can help with health problems all over the body. Another benefit of braces is the reduction of jaw pain and other problems resulting from a bad bite, such as headaches and back pain. You might even find that braces help reduce digestive issues.
With so many benefits, you can’t afford to wait! If you are interested in becoming one of the four million Americans benefiting from braces, contact Sequence Orthodontics today!