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How Retainers Work and Why You Need Them After Braces

  • November 3, 2020
  • 3:41 pm
  • Braces
  • Braces, how retainers work, Parkcrest Dental Group, Retainers

Dr. Steven Harrison is our board-certified orthodontist at Parkcrest Dental Group. He’s been with our team since 1986, and he’s passionate about providing the best possible orthodontic care for all of his patients.

Retainers are a vital part of your orthodontic care. Today’s blog from Parkcrest Dental Group explains how retainers work and why you need them after wearing braces. 

Related Post: Why You Should Wear Your Retainer Explained by Your Orthodontist in Springfield, MO

Why do you need a retainer?

You may use a retainer to straighten minor issues without braces. However, orthodontic retainers work best to keep your teeth straight after your full treatment of braces runs its course. Braces move your teeth into alignment. Retainers help keep them that way moving forward.

Retainers will help your teeth stay straight, and they will also help your jawbone adapt to your new alignment. Retainers provide a stable platform for your teeth to remain straight while your jaw adjusts to your improved smile!

How do retainers work?

Orthodontic appliances such as retainers are custom-made for your mouth. We’ll take measurements of your teeth, gums, and mouth to ensure a perfect fit after your braces are done. Retainers are typically made of rigid plastic (acrylic) along with some metal wire to keep the retainers snug against your teeth. 

Lab technicians design retainers to be both snug and comfortable. They fit up against the sides of your teeth while resting comfortably against the roof and floor of your mouth. If you experience discomfort when wearing your retainers, please contact our office and we’ll see what we can do.

When do you need to wear retainers?

Typically, an orthodontist will instruct you to wear retainers all of the time for six months to a year after your braces. Of course, you remove them to eat food. We’ll give you a special container to keep your braces safe. After several months, your orthodontist may decide you can wear retainers part-time. This typically means at night when you’re sleeping.

Related Post: What Do I Do If My Retainer No Longer Fits?

Braces and Orthodontics at Parkcrest Dental

Do you have more questions about wearing your retainer? Our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Steven Harrison, can answer your inquiries. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group or call (417) 887-1220 for more information. 

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Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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