Study after study has shown that the mouth is a very dynamic environment, and teeth are always moving. This is true whether you’ve had orthodontic treatment or not. Studies have also shown us that the best way to prevent teeth from moving is to hold them with retainers.
We use two types of retainers in our office. One type is a removable retainer that you can take in and out. The other type is a “fixed” or bonded retainer that helps hold the teeth in position. Bonded retainers are glued to the back surfaces of the front teeth. They are small, comfortable, and invisible to others.
Generally, we will leave the bonded retainers in place indefinitely, and the removable retainers are usually just worn at night. Of course, we will customize your retainer schedule to your specific bite and situation.