An increasing number of adults turn to orthodontists like Dr. Mark Padilla to have their misaligned teeth corrected by braces. This process calls for routine adjustments appointments to tighten the braces hardware and alter the periodontal connective tissues that influence the alignment of your teeth.
Once this is done Dr. Mark Padilla and the staff at MP Orthodontics can uninstall the orthodontic components. However, this is not the end of the process!
It’s important to keep in mind that there will still be a modest amount of lingering tension in the periodontal connective tissues. If it’s not addressed by using a retainer, it could cause your teeth to relapse out of their ideal orientation.
A Hawley retainer is the most common method for preventing relapse. It is essentially a custom shaped piece of orthodontic acrylic that fits into the upper portion of the mouth. It is removable, yet when worn in their mouth it is firmly held in place by a set of wires that lock onto specific teeth.
A fixed retainer might also need to be installed if two or more teeth required significant correction. It is a rigid metal band that will be cemented in place behind the teeth to firmly hold them in their corrected alignment.
If you live in the Plano, Texas, area and you have misaligned teeth, you should call 214-474-3193 to set up a braces consultation at MP Orthodontics.