Why Do I Need A Retainer After Braces?

As an In-Line dentist in Bournemouth one of the questions we’re often asked is why is there a need to wear a retainer once treatment is finished. Basically, the reason is to keep the teeth in their new position. Braces work by gradually easing teeth into a healthier position and a retainer needs to be worn while the bone and tissue settles down around your teeth, and the bite stabilises.

For how long do retainers need to be worn?

orthodontics in BournemouthThe risk of relapse is highest during the first month after treatment has ended and as your body is constantly changing so too can your teeth shift position. Relapse won’t occur over night, but if you stop wearing your retainer your teeth will eventually revert back to their original position. By wearing your retainer as suggested, you can help keep your teeth straighter for longer.

What do retainers look like?

Retainers are custom made to prevent your teeth from moving back to their old position and take the form of a fixed or a removable appliance.

Acrylic and wire or clear plastic fits against the front of the teeth to hold a removable retainer in place. Typically the clear plastic version looks nicer but wears out faster. This form of retainer is usually worn full time for about 6 months after which time it’s worn during the night for several years. A fixed retainer is held in place by wire bonded to the back of the front teeth. This is usually kept in place for around 5 years although it’s not uncommon for an In-Line dentist in Bournemouth to recommend that it’s worn for a lifetime.

Removable retainers need to be taken out for eating and when playing contact sports as well as for brushing your teeth. To clean the retainer brush it using toothpaste and rinse it with tap water and then brush and floss your teeth. If you have a fixed retainer then you’ll need to take more care when brushing the back of your teeth and around the wire so that plaque doesn’t form. Ask your dentist in Bournemouth to show you how to floss using a floss threader.

How does a retainer feel?

Like any appliance worn in the mouth, it will seem a little awkward at first and will take a few days to get used to it and to speak clearly. Don’t worry if you experience more saliva in your mouth than usual, that’s totally normal. Fixed retainers don’t affect speech but do be careful when biting down on particularly hard or crunchy food.

Many people find their teeth shift position at some stage of their lives and this is why realigning them with a speedy treatment like In-Line is such a good solution for orthodontics. In Bournemouth we have helped restore the smiles of lots of patients who didn’t want to wear a traditional metal brace. We encourage them to wear a removable retainer for longer at night, and a fixed retainer indefinitely, so that they can continue to enjoy their new smile. If you’re in need of orthodontics in Bournemouth or if you have an dental emergency, then why not get in touch with Queens Park Dental by calling us on 01202 303322 or get in touch via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk. We’ll soon have the smile back on your face.

Why Is It So Important To Have Straight Teeth?

For most people their reason for choosing an In-Line dentist in Bournemouth is to achieve a more beautiful smile which they hope will get them noticed for all the right reasons. However, straight teeth are also beneficial to your dental health as well as your overall health. If your teeth are badly aligned or you have unsightly gaps and spaces between your teeth, then the friendly skilled dental team at Queen Park Dental can help.

invisible braces in BournemouthThe majority of adults think that a great smile can benefit them in the work place as well as being a great social asset. Straighter teeth give them the confidence to smile in all types of interaction and they don’t have to worry about making a bad impression because of crooked or misaligned teeth.

So aesthetics aside, let’s take a look at the benefits of teeth straightening in Bournemouth:

  • Ease of cleaning

Good oral hygiene entails brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day but if your teeth overlap or are crooked, then your hygiene routine may not be as effective as it should be. It can be difficult to get dental floss between and around crooked teeth. Overlapping teeth can obscure parts of a tooth’s surface making it difficult for you to reach with your toothbrush. Because you can’t clean your teeth properly when your teeth aren’t straight, your risk of tooth decay and gum disease is greatly increased. By straightening your teeth, it makes it easier for you to maintain a good level of oral health.

  • Risk of gum disease

Gums that are red and swollen may be the cause of teeth that are overcrowded or gapped. Gums don’t fit as well around teeth which are misaligned and this means that food and bacteria can get lodged in the gum tissue and cause infections which can lead to tooth loss. Gums hug straight teeth closely which helps to prevent this type of infection and in addition, because teeth are held in place more securely, people with straight teeth aren’t so vulnerable to tooth loss.

  • Better digestion

You probably wouldn’t visit your dentist with severe stomach cramps but if you’re experiencing digestive problems, then it could just be your teeth that are causing the problem. Crooked teeth and bad bites can make it harder for you to chew your food completely and as a result you may be swallowing large pieces of food or food which hasn’t been sufficiently broken down by the saliva in your mouth. With tooth straightening, Bournemouth dentists may be able to put an end to your stomach woes.

Orthodontics in Bournemouth is about so much more than improving your smile and can result in better oral and bodily health. With a wide range of invisible braces in Bournemouth which, in some cases, can deliver results in as little as six months there’s never been a better time to visit your dentist and get your teeth straightened once and for all. Why not come and speak with Hannah at Queens Park Dental to see how we can help you. Call us today on 01202 303322 or contact us via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk. Please also contact us for all dental emergencies.

Get In Line For A Beautiful Smile

Some people are lucky enough to be born with a beautiful straight smile whereas others may have tooth defects which make them feel self conscious and uncomfortable about their appearance. The good news is that we can put the smile back on your face, quickly and discreetly, using modern orthodontics. In Bournemouth, here at Queens Park Dental, we employ a system known as In-Line which is able to correct teeth that are overcrowded or too far apart.

invisible braces in BournemouthIn-Line is one of the latest types of invisible braces” Bournemouth dentists offer which consists of removable transparent plastic braces that gently move the teeth into their right position without the need for unsightly wires wound around the teeth. Suitable for patients over the age of 15, it can correct a variety of orthodontics issues such as crowded teeth or teeth that have gaps in between them, as well as open and cross bites, to name but a few.

How it works

In-Line is a remarkable way to improve your smile and actually consists of clear plastic trays which fit over your teeth and are virtually invisible. How can a thin plastic tray get the job done? Well, believe it or not, in the same way as traditional braces, by applying gentle pressure on the teeth and moving them gradually into their right position. X-rays and impressions of your teeth are done and a dental plan formulated, so that a series of aligners can be made specifically for you. You’ll start off by wearing your first tray for at least 20 hours a day for the first two weeks, only removing it to eat and brush and floss your teeth. Then it’s time to move on to the second tray to achieve the next gradual movement, and so on until the desired effect is achieved. Total treatment time varies from one patient to another but generally averages between 6-8 months.

Once your In-Line treatment is completed you’ll need to wear a retainer otherwise your teeth may slip back into their previous position and all of your hard work will have been done for nothing.

If you’d like to find out more about invisible braces in Bournemouth, and for all denal emergencies, then why not get in touch with Queens Park Dental. We’re an In-Line dentist in Bournemouth that has been using this method with great success for several years and have scores of delighted patients. Just think how confident you would feel with a brand new smile. Call us today on 01202 303322 or contact us via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk to book a consultation.