But increasingly, orthodontists are encouraging patients to hang onto those retainers and wear them a bit longer- forever, even.
That’s right. As the science of orthodontics continues to evolve, research on the aging process as it relates to teeth alignment has shown that teeth shifting- even after braces- is a part of life, said Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth, an Eagan, MN orthodontist.
“This isn’t a case of pointing the finger at patients and telling them that they didn’t follow their orthodontist’s instructions,” Eisenhuth said. “Orthodontists have done a complete about-face when it comes to instructing patients on retainer use.”
Eisenhuth used to recommend that patients wear their retainers for up to two years before weaning them off the appliance, but now she counsels them on the notion that a retainer is a maintenance appliance that likely will need to be worn a few times a week for the rest of their lives.
“As an orthodontist, I understand that this may not be something patients want to hear,” Eisenhuth said. “Truth be told, a patient’s teeth could shift ever so slightly and perhaps it wouldn’t bother them a bit. But to maintain the perfect alignment we have achieved at the time braces are removed, wearing a retainer periodically from now on will be a necessity for many patients.”
In addition to teeth shifting being part of the aging process, teeth sometimes have a tendency to shift back into their former positioning after braces are removed, Eisenhuth said, although they typically never return to the exact position they were in prior to braces.
It is important to note that a retainer typically does not shift teeth back into place, she said. It simply maintains straight teeth. Routine retainer use can keep shifting to a minimum.
“The longer a patient leaves the retainer out, the more likely it is that their teeth will shift,” Eisenhuth said, adding that the tightness some patients feel when putting in a retainer after they went without wearing it for several days is evidence that the teeth have shifted slightly.
Teeth may become sore once a retainer is worn after several days of nonuse, but wearing it on a regular basis will eliminate the discomfort.
Eisenhuth recommends that patients wear their retainers at night at least several nights a week.
“It’s understandable that once patients have their braces off, they aren’t eager to be seen with metal in their mouths anymore,” she said. “So wearing the retainer while you sleep is a good idea. It gets the job done and preserves a perfect smile.”
As an Eagan, Minnesota Invisalign provider, Eisenhuth recommends that patients who opt for Invisalign treatment- a series of custom made, clear plastic aligners that gradually reposition teeth into proper alignment- hang onto their final aligner and wear that periodically as a means of keeping their teeth straight.
Read the full article titled "Eagan, MN Orthodontist Promotes Alignment for a Lifetime".
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about long-term retainer use, you want to learn more about the orthodontics practice of Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth or you would like to schedule a consultation with her, please call: (651) 406-8100 or visit her Web site: www.doctorjennifer.com.
About Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth
Dr. Eisenhuth attended the University of Minnesota Dental School and graduated in the top of her class. She earned the Minnesota Association of Orthodontic Achievement Award and several academic achievement awards. She entered her orthodontic residency at the University of Minnesota and earned a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science degree.
Dr. Eisenhuth is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
She takes pride in caring for the orthodontic needs of residents in the Twin Cities- St. Paul and Minneapolis, and their surrounding regions, including Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights, Burnsville, Apple Valley and Eagan, Minnesota.
Her office is located at 3340 Sherman Court, Eagan, Minn., 55121.
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