After the braces, I would always have the patients wear retainers for their teeth. Retainer is a custom made device, usually made of either metal or plastic, and it is put on around the teeth in order to keep the teeth from moving. Teeth is supported by periodontal ligaments within the jaw bone, and these ligament fibers are like rubber band. After the orthodontic treatment, these ligaments are usually stretched as the result of teeth movement. Stretched ligament would tend to unstretch itself, thereby move the tooth back into the original misaligned position. In order to keep the tooth in the desired position, a anchoring retainer device is recommended.
I usually would have the patient wear the retainers continuously day and night time, except during eating, for the initial six months. The initial six months is critical because the teeth will have the most tendency to move back into their misaligned position. Then after that, the teeth position would become more stable. Then I would tell the patient to only have to wear the retainers at night time during sleep. I would recommend wearing the retainers for at least 2 years after the braces.
Written by Daniel Tee, DDS, MS
Practicing Family Dentist Serving the city of Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, and Mesa in Arizona.