At Burnham Prosthodontics, we understand that maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment is crucial for a lasting, beautiful smile. Orthodontic retainers are custom-made devices designed to hold your teeth in their newly aligned positions, ensuring they remain properly aligned after orthodontic treatment, including surgery or realignment.
After undergoing orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, there is always a risk of relapse, where your teeth may gradually shift back to their original positions. This can happen due to various factors, such as the recoil of periodontal fibers, pressure from surrounding soft tissues, occlusion, and ongoing growth and development. Retainers play a vital role in preventing such relapse by keeping your teeth in their desired positions long enough for the surrounding periodontal fibers to adapt to the changes in the bone structure. This helps minimize any shifts in tooth position once your orthodontic treatment is complete.
There are different types of retainers available, and the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences:
Retainers can be either removable or fixed. The evidence suggests that removable retainers are typically worn part-time, often at night. However, there is insufficient evidence to recommend one type of retention procedure over another definitively.
If you have any questions about orthodontic retainers or need to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Burnham, please don't hesitate to contact us at (780) 250-7767. Burnham Prosthodontics is conveniently located at 9148 23 Ave NW Suite #225 in Edmonton, AB. We look forward to serving you and helping you maintain your confident smile.
