Traditional braces are often used to correct the position of misaligned permanent teeth. The treatment process is designed to apply progressive tension to your periodontal ligaments through the course of multiple adjustments. Each time the braces components are tightened it will bring your teeth one incremental step closer to their ideal alignment.
Once your alignment goals have been met our dentist can remove the braces components from your mouth. However, there will still be some lingering tension in your periodontal tissues. If it isn’t addressed, it could cause your teeth to relapse out of their corrected alignment.
To prevent this from happening Dr. Ronald Cass will provide you with a retainer. The process of fitting you for the oral appliance is typically done immediately after the braces have been removed.
Hawley retainers are the most common method for preventing relapse in the upper teeth. It is made from a special type of orthodontic acrylic incorporated with strong wires that help hold the retainer with specific teeth.
If a single area, like the lower front teeth, needed significant realignment our dentist might need to install a fixed metal retainer. It is essentially a strong metal band that he cements behind the teeth to hold them firmly in place.
If you are in the Austin, Texas, area and you have a question about retainers, you can call 512-345-2655 to speak to a staff member at NW Hills Dental and Orthodontics.