Wearing a retainer may seem like an annoyance, but this dental appliance is a critical piece of equipment. Once your orthodontist removes your braces, your teeth may be straight and your jaw problems may be gone. Things will not stay the same if you choose not to wear the proper apparatus. In some cases, the orthodontist may choose to install a permanent one in your mouth. This can make it difficult to clean your teeth, but there are some simple ways to do this.
A permanent retainer is designed to stay in the patient’s mouth for life. Some people may ask a dentist to remove it, but orthodontists discourage this. This mouth appliance will help keep teeth from moving back to their previous positions. Braces treatment is a major financial commitment. Patients who keep the apparatus in their mouth can make the orthodontic care worth the effort. No one wants to achieve a nice smile with straight teeth only to see the teeth become crooked again.
Most dentists will place permanent mouth appliances on the back of the teeth. This can create some problems with brushing and flossing. It is easy to get frustrated and consider the appliance to be in the way. However, patients who do not try to clean around it can have serious problems with teeth and gums. Thorough cleaning will take some more diligence, time and focus.
Good oral care requires that people spend adequate time brushing their teeth. A few seconds here and there will not be sufficient to fend off bacteria and tooth decay. This is especially true with the portion of teeth behind the mouth appliance. People should use a soft-bristle brush and effective toothpaste. It is helpful to focus on the area of the appliance and brush a little longer than usual.
Many people neglect to floss as part of the regular oral hygiene routine. Patients who forget this step can develop gum disease or infections. Mouth appliances make flossing much more challenging, but with floss hooks, this task is simple. These products help thread the floss through and around the wires to get between the teeth. Do this at least once a day.
Consistent dental appointments will help keep teeth healthy and strong. Even those teeth covered with a permanent mouth apparatus can get the needed attention when patients go to the dentist at least twice a year. The dentist will clean the teeth thoroughly and will concentrate on the area around the appliance. Patients can even ask for more attention in that area.
A permanent mouth appliance can be a valuable asset to keeping your teeth straight. It does not have to be a hindrance. Make sure you brush and floss the teeth around it each day. This will not only promote oral health, but it can help your appliance last longer as well.
Request an appointment here: https://nelaortho.com or call NELA Orthodontics at (323) 203-0721 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Retainers in Los Angeles, CA.
Correcting oral health issues with orthodontics is a big step that involves lifestyle changes. Orthodontic treatment requires a shift in the daily routine of the wearer of an orthodontic appliance. If the wearer is a child, then you, as a parent, will also have to make adjustments.So, before you take the leap to pursue orthodontic…
Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that improves the function and appearance of the teeth and/or jaws. In most cases, orthodontics uses gentle, constant pressure to reposition the teeth and the structures that support said teeth.If you are thinking about improving your smile with orthodontic treatment, keep reading. This guide is an overview of the…
A smile makeover can transform the appearance of teeth, creating a more confident and attractive smile. This process involves a customized plan that corrects alignment issues, gaps, discoloration, and other cosmetic concerns. Each treatment fits individual needs and goals, ensuring the best possible results.A smile makeover is a plan to improve the overall look of…
Treatment with orthodontics can typically take somewhere between 12 to 36 months, and many people would be happy to shorten that length. Orthodontics is used to address issues with a person’s teeth or jaw alignments, like a crossbite, underbite, or overbite. Oral appliances, like braces and clear aligners, are often used to push misaligned teeth…