Post-Orthodontic Care in Westchester NY

Post-Orthodontic Care

Post-orthodontic care refers to the period when a patient removes his or her braces but still needs maintenance care to ensure that the teeth don’t revert back to the position they were in before treatment. In such a case, all the money and time that would have been spent aligning the teeth would be completely wasted. In most cases, patients have to wear a device known as a retainer which helps keep the teeth in position until the teeth set-in firmly and hold the new position. /p>

Guerrino Dentistry | Post-Orthodontic Care

Post-orthodontic care is important because if it is not done, there is a danger that the teeth will simply revert to their old positions once you remove the braces. This is because teeth are held in positions by ligaments known as periodontal ligaments. Even when braces help to position your teeth the way you want them, it takes a while for these ligaments to firm up and hold your teeth in one place. For that reason, orthodontists will recommend that you wear a retainer which holds the teeth in place and helps the ligament to firm up in the correct position.

Guerrino Dentistry Offer For Implant Dentistry

What Does Guerrino Dentistry Offer For Post-Orthodontic Care?

When you come to Guerrino Dentistry for post-orthodontic care, we will start by helping you choose the best retainer for your teeth. There are three basic types of retainers that are available depending on a variety of factors. The first is the Hawley Retainer which is made of acrylic and is highly adjustable meaning it can be moved to correct minor tooth movements.

The second is similar to an Invisalign and is made of clear plastic so as to not be easily visible. The third and most permanent is the fixed retainer which is used in cases where there is great danger of tooth movement.

During the initial session, our orthodontists will recommend how long the retainer will stay in place as well as give you advice on how to maintain proper oral hygiene including how to clean the retainer. There is usually a period of adjustment as the mouth reacts to the presence of a foreign object in the mouth (in most cases, there will be a lot of saliva production) but this soon passes.