Dental retainers are appliances designed to maintain the position of the teeth following orthodontic treatment. They can be removable of fixed and retention regime varies from patient to patient.
Getting in the Habit of Wearing a Retainer
Know that the time it takes to form a new habit is different for everyone, so making it fun for your kids can make it easier. Here are some tips for getting in the habit of wearing a retainer and not misplacing it:
Pick up a bigger carrying case and keep the retainer case in this one. Whether it’s a bag with their favorite action hero or a purse that’s their favorite color, your child is less likely to forget a big bag over a small, plastic case.
Write a note and put it in your child’s retainer case. It can be fun for your child to read and acts as a reminder for them to put their retainer away.
Just like keys, keep the retainer case in the same spot. And a brightly colored case is less likely to be overlooked or misplaced during a busy part of the day.
Your kids may have outgrown the tooth fairy, but the fun of waking up to small gifts under their pillow for a full night of wearing their retainer in the first week never hurts.
It can be hard for your kids to consistently wear a retainer correctly and for long periods of time. But after a while, it will be a part of your kids daily life – just like the compliments they’ll receive from their well-maintained smiles.
Why Wear a Retainer?
Retainers for teeth are mostly used as the last phase of orthodontics treatment. After the braces have been removed, teeth can shift back to their original position. So, retainers worn overnight (if not longer) can help maintain the position of straightened teeth.
A:It is recommended that children have an orthodontic screening before the age of 7. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.
A:In general,it takes around 1 – 2 years but the actual time depends on the growth of the patient’s mouth and face, the cooperation of the patient and the severity of the problem. Mild problems usually require less time, and some individuals respond faster to treatment than others.
A:A:Your orthodontist will want to see you about every month to 6 weeks or so in order to make sure that the braces are exerting steady pressure on your teeth.
