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Orthodontic treatments are widely known for treating dental misalignments. These treatments improve the overall appearance and bite functioning of patients. Among various other orthodontic devices, traditional braces and clear aligners are well known. However, it must be kept in mind that whatever type of orthodontic treatment you undergo, post-treatment care is essential. In this blog, we will inform our readers about the difference between clear aligners and retainers in addition to post-treatment care.
Difference between Clear Aligners and Retainers
Orthodontic treatments assist in bringing about a desirable change to your teeth. These treatments are used to treat malocclusions including crowding, overbite, underbite, openbite, and teeth spacing. Moreover, they help in improving your overall appearance by providing a smile of your dreams. When it comes to orthodontic devices, clear aligners have become immensely popular for treating dental alignments. Clear aligners and retainers are often confused whereas, both devices have different purposes as explained below.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are transparent trays made of plastic that help with teeth straightening and alignment. Aligners exert mild to moderate pressure on teeth to bring about the desirable change. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are invisible which makes them barely noticeable. Moreover, with aligners patients can experience a more comfortable treatment approach. In addition to the invisible feature, clear aligners are removable which helps patients to enjoy their meals anytime they want. It further helps in sustaining good oral health by easily brushing and flossing daily. Clear aligners can be the perfect solution for people who do not want to compromise their overall appearance while undergoing teeth straightening procedures.
Retainers
Retainers are orthodontic devices that are used on the completion of an orthodontic treatment; traditional braces or clear aligners. Retainers are customized according to every patient. They help in preventing teeth from shifting back to their original position. There are different types of retainers such as fixed retainers, removable retainers, and others. The type of retainer can be based on your orthodontist’s recommendation or your personal choice. Initially, the retainers are worn for a longer duration which might change later on. Invisible retainers are often confused with clear aligners. However, aligners help in teeth movement, whereas, retainers help retain teeth in their new place.
Understanding Post-Treatment Care
Before undergoing an orthodontic treatment, it is highly essential to understand the treatment and post-treatment care as well. Once the treatment is completed, post-treatment care holds great importance in sustaining the change. In the case of clear aligners, orthodontists recommend retainers as a post-treatment care plan. Clear aligners help shift your teeth to the desirable position by applying some pressure. The treatment plan usually extends from six months to more. The following steps must be included for effective retainer results.
- Cleaning of retainers
- Must be well-stored
- Follow the wearing schedule
- Replace it if required
Teeth Straightening with Smilepath
Smilepath brings an innovative approach to at-home teeth straightening. Now you can get your teeth straightened from the comfort of your home. You can order online and get the perfectly aligned smile of your dreams. Moreover, on availing of Smilepath clear aligner treatment, patients will also receive free intial set of retainers for post-treatment care.
To sum it up, getting your teeth straightened has never been this easy. Thanks to clear aligners now you can get that perfect smile that too without getting noticed. However, one should always track off post-treatment care to enjoy the results and minimize the risk of teeth moving back. A slight lack of post-care can lead to hindrances in the overall treatment.
FAQs
1. How retainers and aligners are different?
Aligners help in teeth straightening whereas, retainers help to retain the change by aligners.
2. How long is the post-treatment care with retainers?
Your orthodontist can best suggest to you the duration of post-treatment care with retainers.
3. Is it necessary to wear aligners after retainers?
Yes, retainers are part of post-treatment care to sustain the newly developed change in your teeth.
4. Do we have to wear retainers for forever?
In some cases, your orthodontist might recommend you wear retainers for an indefinite period.
5. How to maintain teeth straightened post aligners?
Retainers are the best way to maintain your teeth straightened after an orthodontic treatment.
