Once you have completed your Braces journey, you will move on to the maintenance phase with retainers. Teeth are biological structures that are sitting in gums and bone. They are constantly working to help us eat, smile, and talk. It is natural for them to move slightly after treatment.
Retainers are ‘Maintainers’.
Retainers are very important to avoid/minimize Teeth Relapse (which is the teeth shifting back towards its original position).
Studies have shown that the most relapse occurs in the first year after completing tooth movement with certain types of tooth movement more at risk of relapse than others.
Retainers are designed to hold your teeth in the position when braces were just removed. If you have not worn your retainers for a period of time, tooth movement may shift teeth from their original position in their retainers, causing the retainers to feel tighter than usual.
If retainers are too tight because they have been dipped in hot water/ stepped on/ sat on/ crushed by heavy textbooks:
If retainers are too tight because you have not worn them for a while: Please notify the Team@MyBracesClinic by dropping us a Facebook Message, calling us at (65)6737 9797 or email us at smilematters@mybracesclinic.com. We would like to schedule an earlier appointment to address this issue.
Spend some time training with us till you’re comfortable and confident of removing aligners on your own.
Retainers are too loose if they just can’t stay on your teeth. Loose retainers that do not hug teeth, cannot hold teeth in place efficiently.
Possible reasons for loose retainers are:
Do notify the Team@MyBracesClinic by dropping us a Facebook Message, calling us at (65)6737 9797 or email us at smilematters@mybracesclinic.com. We would like to schedule an earlier appointment to address the cause of loose aligners ASAP.
Look out for cracks and traces of wear on your retainers, it may indicate that you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth. You might need a firmer and more durable retainer to withstand your grinding tendencies.
Do notify the Team@MyBracesClinic by calling us at (65)6737 9797 or email us at smilematters@mybracesclinic.com. We would like to schedule an earlier appointment to get you back on track.
Top reasons for losing retainers
Consider Vivera Retainers as they are a set of 3 identical, digitally printed clear retainers so you will never be caught out even if you accidentally lose a set.
Alert the Team@MyBracesClinic by dropping us a Facebook Message, calling us at (65)6737 9797 or email us at smilematters@mybracesclinic.com.
43 Jalan Merah Saga #01-80
Chip Bee Gardens
Singapore 278115
startsmiling@mybracesclinic.com
101 Irrawaddy Rd, #21-08
Royal Square Medical Centre
Singapore 329565