Aftercare

Braces are very good at straightening teeth; they may take a while but they are, almost without exception, successful. In most people a potential problem arises when they are removed and the teeth are free to move again.
RETAINERS are designed to prevent this and, like braces, come in a number of types.

REMOVABLE retainers are simple clip in plates, usually worn every night for 6-12 months. Most people can then gradually reduce the wear and may end up only needing to wear them once a week. We normally advised growing children to wear them until at least 18-19 yrs old.

FIXED retainers are thin wires that have been formed to fit closely on the inside surface of the front 4-6 teeth. They are not visible from the front and are fairly durable as long as you are reasonably sensible with how you eat. Depending on your bite, fixed retainers on your top teeth are not always practical. They often eliminate the need for regular wear of a removable retainer.

Ultimately it is yor decision about how long you wear retainers. If you stop wearing them, your teeth WILL move - everyone's do to some extent as they get older. Most frequently this is seen as slight crowding of the lower incisors. What we find keeps movement to a minimum is to use a retainer until you have stopped growing - and at least 3 years if you are adult. This allows the ligaments and bone holding the teeth to have a good chance of settling in the new position.