Retainers require a certain amount of attention and excellent oral hygiene because the metal wires scratch the enamel surface of your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay.
During the process, the orthodontist will make a mold of your mouth with a thick substance called alginate. They will use the mold to make your retainer. [4] X Research source
If you experience moderate to severe pain or the retainer is cutting into your gums or pulling too hard on your teeth, contact your orthodontist. [6] X Research source
It also needs to be kept moist when not in your mouth so it doesn’t crack. Your dentist should tell you how to soak it. [7] X Research source Avoid keeping it near a heat source, as that can also crack it. [8] X Research source
Veneers are stain-resistant (if porcelain) and look much like natural teeth. [12] X Research source It is suggested you get them after the age of 35, as this getting them at a younger age can affect the pulp in your teeth and decrease the longevity of the veneers.
Veneers are permanent and can’t be repaired. They’re also more expensive than getting a crown, but they will definitely provide you the perfect “Hollywood” smile. [14] X Research source If you are practicing serious contact sports such as boxing or hockey, veneers may not be even an option. You will definitely need to protect your teeth with a mouthguard when playing these sports, regardless.
You will likely have a follow-up visit to check on placement, but if you notice a problem, such as cracking or misalignment, contact your dentist. [16] X Research source
You will also need to be very careful when biting hard food such as nuts, hard candy, baked bread, hard biscuits, etc.
Visible braces are the type of braces you probably think of when someone says “braces. " These braces are brackets attached to the front of teeth and connected by metal wires. The brackets can be metal, plastic, or ceramic, and these braces are often cheaper than other types of braces. Visible braces are best for severe problems. [21] X Research source Nearly invisible braces are plastic trays that fit over your teeth. The main brand of this type of brace is Invisalign. Like retainers, you can take out these braces to eat, and they are are also not as painful as other braces. However, they don’t work as well on severe problems, and you must wear them for at least 22 hours a day. These braces may be slightly more expensive than traditional braces. [22] X Research source Invisible braces attach behind the teeth, much as visible braces attach to the front of teeth. Each bracket is customized to your teeth, so it works faster; however, it can be difficult to adjust to these braces, such as making it harder to speak. Also, these are more expensive, as they are made from gold (this allows them to be customized to your teeth). [23] X Research source
Make sure you also floss and use an interdental toothbrush (with a bristle shaped like a pine tree), which allow you to clean around the brackets and between your teeth.
Since you can take invisible braces out to eat, these foods aren’t as much of a problem, though acids on your teeth can still affect them.
The advice in the past was you needed to wear a retainer for a year after having braces, but now the advice is you may need to wear a retainer for much longer, though you may only wear it at night. [28] X Research source
Often crooked teeth are caused by genetic problems and cannot be prevented. If gingivitis gets more serious and it is not treated, it will lead to periodontitis, which makes teeth change their position and become loose.
Also limit the use of pacifiers and bottles after age three. [34] X Research source
