Many people wear retainers. It helps them keep their gorgeous smile after braces. It makes the teeth stay in place to ensure that everything is in order. However, have you ever thought about what stories may lay behind those little helpers? Here are a few interesting pieces of information about retainers that may surprise you.
A necessity
Retainers help keep the alignment of your teeth, and it is more important than you may think. Once your braces are taken off, it is quite easy for your teeth to go back to their old state. To keep that from happening, you need to wear retainers. Depending on the severity of the case, retainers may be worn for a year or two, or only in evenings.
Different kinds of retainers
Some people may not be aware, but there are three different kinds of retainers. Many people often go for Hawley retainer designs, as most people are very satisfied with the quality that they get with this type. But the other two are Essix retainers, which are similar to Invisalign, and the permanent retainers that are attached to the back of your teeth. It is always better to go with what your dentist recommends, as he or she knows which one best suits your needs.
Avoid heat
In science class, one of the things you learn is how heat can make metal expand or be more malleable. The same can be said about your retainers. If you are not careful and leave your retainers in a hot place, such as on the dashboard of a car, it can easily lose its shape since it is a thin wire. Try to keep your retainers in a cool, shaded place as much as possible.
Now that you know these interesting facts about retainers, you can smile proudly knowing that you have learned something new about an item that you use regularly.
