If you have adult braces, but you’re not sure whether or not they’re permanent retainer , it can be hard to tell what the next steps are in your treatment plan. One thing that’s certain is that you need to keep your teeth from moving until the braces come off on their own. If you get the kind of removable retainer known as an O-ring, you can move your teeth about as much as you want without worrying about them falling out of place.
Why baby blue braces are so cool
Baby blue braces have come a long way since your mom or dad wore them back in high school. You can choose metal or ceramic brackets and they even come in invisible ceramic, so only you will know they’re there. Permanent retainers help keep your teeth where they belong once your braces are removed. For those who live an active lifestyle, baby blue retainers can protect their beautiful smile while continuing their regular activities.
While today’s baby blue braces might be more attractive than you remember your parents’ being, they still serve the same purpose: keeping teeth from shifting and maintaining proper function. Today’s permanent retainers are more comfortable and secure than ever, making them not only aesthetically pleasing but beneficial for overall dental health as well!
The history of baby blue braces
Did you know that baby blue is one of many colors used for braces? Some patients worry that they’ll stand out, but don’t worry—when it comes to braces, baby blue is pretty subtle. Plus, when you need straight teeth, there are few things worse than getting them crooked again. Braces aren’t permanent on their own. Even if you wear your retainer every night for decades, your teeth can still shift if you don’t use preventative measures. Talk with your orthodontist about how best to keep your smile straight and beautiful after braces come off! If you want adorable smiles now and later on down the road, get yourself some little whitening trays.
How long do they last
Permanent retainers are more effective than traditional removable ones. Some removable retainers can only stay in place for two or three weeks before they have to be replaced. Permanent retainers don’t require replacement as often, which makes them an attractive option for patients who suffer from grinding and need long-term stability. Permanent retainer lifespan varies depending on use, but is measured in years rather than months like some removable products. If cared for properly, permanent retainers can last up to 20 years! Talk with your dentist about what will work best for you if you need help deciding between permanent and removable retainers. They can guide you through treatment planning and discuss whether your teeth will respond better to one type of retainer over another.
What happens if you don’t wear them all the time
If you don’t wear your retainer all of the time, then you are more likely to have your teeth move and shift back into their original positions. The permanent retainer is designed for long-term use—which means as soon as you get it, it’s important that you start wearing it at least 16 hours a day (to avoid shifting), but 24 hours per day (to maximize retention). If you only need minimal movement correction, then wear it whenever you’re awake. Otherwise, focus on sleeping with it so that gravity can help keep everything where they should be while you rest.
Will your teeth move around anyway?
Permanent retainers are so effective at keeping your teeth where they should be that people often ask if they can move your teeth around after you’ve had one put on. After all, our mouths and teeth aren’t static objects. They continue to change and grow as we age. The answer is yes, you can move them around with a permanent retainer—but there are caveats. Only some of your movement will remain. Remaining bone matter from missing teeth might affect what happens over time, too. If you want your long-term smile to look its best (and don’t mind dealing with some temporary discomfort), it may be worth getting an additional procedure done now to keep everything nice and even once your permanent retainer has been installed!