{"id":112,"date":"2024-11-22T23:36:18","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T23:36:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.casadysquareorthodontics.com\/blog\/?p=112"},"modified":"2024-11-22T23:39:37","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T23:39:37","slug":"sweet-satisfaction-life-without-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casadysquareorthodontics.com\/blog\/sweet-satisfaction-life-without-braces\/","title":{"rendered":"Sweet Satisfaction: Returning to Life Without Braces"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You\u2019ve been dreaming about this moment for a long time \u2013 the day you finally get your braces<\/a> taken off! What you\u2019ll see underneath is a stunning, straight, beautiful smile. But that\u2019s not the only thing that will be different. While life after braces is more or less the same as life before braces, there is at least one extra thing you\u2019ll have to pay attention to: your retainer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the scoop now so you\u2019ll know what to expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is A Retainer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Technically, there are multiple types of retainers. However, they all have the same job of keeping your newly aligned teeth in place. Your braces moved them into better, straighter positions, but teeth are resilient. They have a tendency to slide back to their original alignments without supervision. Thus, your orthodontist may provide you with either a fixed retainer, a removable retainer, or some combination of both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Are These Retainers Different?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fixed retainers are typically thin wires that your orthodontist will adhere to the back of your teeth. Don\u2019t worry \u2013 they\u2019re low-profile, and you\u2019ll likely barely notice it once you get used to it. Removable retainers are more like mouthguards. Most patients only need to wear them at night, and they can be taken out. This is convenient, but also means they require maintenance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Removeable Retainer Care Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since your removeable retainer is made from plastic, it\u2019s important not to use hot water when you clean it. Absolutely do not put it in the microwave or try to boil it clean! You also shouldn\u2019t eat or drink anything except water while wearing it, as it could get stained or damaged. With the warnings out of the way, here\u2019s what you can <\/em>do to take care of your removable retainer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n