Retainers in Dubai: Keep Your Perfect Smile for a Lifetime

Why Retainers Matter

Your orthodontic journey doesn’t end when your braces come off! Once your braces are removed, your teeth need time to adjust to their new positions. This adjustment period, known as the “retention phase,” typically lasts between 12 to 18 months, during which the surrounding tissues, including bone and periodontal ligaments, undergo remodeling.

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During this time, the teeth can easily shift back to their original positions, a process known as relapse. The supporting bone is still somewhat “soft” and not fully calcified, making it essential to wear retainers to prevent this shifting. You've invested significant time and money into your orthodontic treatment, and it's vital to maintain those results.

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Research indicates that the risk of relapse is particularly high in the first three months after braces removal. Although the risk decreases significantly after 12 months, it never completely disappears. Therefore, it is highly recommended to wear your retainers every night for the first year post-treatment. Some orthodontists may suggest full-time wear to promote compliance, as patients often forget to wear them. However, in most cases, wearing your retainer for 12 to 14 hours daily is sufficient.

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Once the retention phase is complete, you won’t need to wear your retainers every night. By then, the bone structure will have been sufficiently reorganized, allowing your teeth to settle into a more stable position. That said, if you stop wearing your retainers entirely, you may still experience some mild shifting. It’s advisable to continue wearing them at least twice a week for life to mitigate this risk.

While some orthodontists opt to place a permanent retention wire behind the teeth, removable retainers are generally a more hygienic choice. They can be easily cleaned and should be replaced every 3 to 4 years to ensure optimal effectiveness.