Many of you are asking: will there be a relapse after orthodontic treatment? We can't give you a definite answer to this question, because it's up to you to decide whether or not to relapse.

Many people think that everything will be fine after removing braces!

In fact, it is not, orthodontic treatment is divided into two parts: one is the orthodontic period and the other is the maintenance period.

After the braces are removed, the doctor will make retainers to stabilize the teeth in their new well-aligned positions to avoid relapse.

Why do I need a retainer?

Our teeth move throughout our life. Orthodontic treatment can make it aligned and beautiful, but when the braces are removed, the teeth are not yet stable in their new position and are prone to relapse, so they have to be kept in the new position with the help of a retainer to wait for the alveolar bone to be remodeled.

If you don't wear the retainer in time or don't wear it carefully, it will easily show signs of relapse, and you may need to straighten your teeth all over again, which will be a waste of effort!

What do retainers look like?

There are two types of retainers, fixed retainers and removable retainers.

The movable retainers are further categorized into: pressure film (clear) retainers, and harlequin retainers.

01

Fixed Retainer

Fixed retainers are bonded to the inside of the teeth and cannot be seen from the outside, making them more aesthetically pleasing.

It may cause a foreign body sensation when it is first worn; it needs to be worn for life; it is suitable for patients who are particularly prone to relapse.

02

Clear (pressure film) retainer

It is made of transparent plastic and is pressed using a press molding machine according to the mold of the teeth after the completion of orthodontic treatment.

Good retention effect, fully transparent, more aesthetic; light foreign body sensation; generally need to wear for 3 months.

03

Harley retainer

They are made of steel wires filled with rubber and are somewhat like the so-called removable dentures.

They are often used in conjunction with a clear retainer, with the harlequin retainer being worn at night and the clear retainer being worn during the day.

How long do you have to wear your retainers?

Usually around two years, but also varies from person to person, some retainers require a shorter period of time, while for some cases that are prone to recurrence, such as severely twisted teeth and gaps in the teeth, a longer retention period is required.

Currently, for the first year after the removal of braces, the retainer is carefully worn during the day and night. Later on, the retainer is changed to be worn at night for 6 months.

If you feel comfortable wearing the retainer, you can gradually reduce the time you wear the retainer: one night every other day, one night a week, until you stop wearing it completely. ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

Precautions for wearing the retainer

01

 Cleaning 

Harley retainers can be cleaned daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste; clear retainers can be rinsed with water after each meal; avoid cleaning with hot water to avoid deforming them.

When wearing a clear retainer, you should try to avoid contacting the retainer with colored substances such as red wine, orange juice, lime juice, etc., otherwise it will cause staining of the retainer and affect the beauty of wearing it.

02

 Storage 

Retainers are easy to be damaged and lost, and a retainer case is a good way to prevent damage and loss.

When removing or not wearing the retainer, always put it into the box for safekeeping when you go out and avoid wrapping it in tissue paper to prevent it from being lost.

03

 In case of loss or damage 

In the unfortunate event that your retainer is lost or damaged, it is important to contact your doctor to have it repositioned.

If the retainer is not made in time, the teeth will be easy to relapse, in order to live up to the perseverance of orthodontics and not to add burden to yourself, you should wear the retainer properly and take good care of the retainer.