Wearing braces and attending your regular adjustment appointments is just the first step in obtaining a winning smile that can last a lifetime. After your braces are removed there will still be a small amount of residual tension in the periodontal ligaments that secure your teeth in their sockets. If this tension isn’t addressed, it can slightly pull your teeth out of their ideal alignment.
To prevent this from happening, Dr. John Bosak, Jr. can fit you for a custom retainer. Wearing your retainer during the prescribed time will help your teeth maintain their ideal alignment while the residual tension in your periodontal ligaments gradually subsides.
The times you need to wear a retainer might change over time, depending on the progress the orthodontist sees during routine appointments. In general, most people need to use a retainer for as long as they needed to wear braces.
In most cases, Dr. John Bosak, Jr. can usually fit you for a custom retainer as soon as your braces are removed. This usually involves taking a few x-rays and making an impression or your mouth.
When you first start wearing a retainer, your mouth might produce more saliva for a few days. This is natural and after a while your mouth will adapt and things will return to normal.
If your braces are about to be removed, and you have questions about retainers, you can call John Bosak, Jr., DMD at 818-368-5676 to schedule an appointment.