When it comes to straightening your teeth, braces are a common and effective treatment option. However, braces are not intended to be worn forever. The purpose of braces is to gradually move your teeth into proper alignment over a period of 1-3 years. After this initial realignment period, the braces can be removed and your teeth will remain in their new straightened positions.
Why are braces not permanent?
There are a few key reasons why braces are not designed to be worn permanently:
- Braces apply gentle pressure to the teeth to encourage movement into proper alignment. This pressure needs to be periodic and temporary. Permanent pressure could damage the roots or bone structures.
- The materials of braces such as metal brackets and wires are not intended for indefinite wear. They can deteriorate or break over time.
- Permanent braces often lead to oral hygiene issues such as plaque buildup, tartar, and decay due to the difficulty of brushing and flossing around braces.
- New permanent retainers are often bonded behind the teeth after braces to hold them in position. So permanent braces are redundant.
- Braces are typically worn during childhood and adolescent growth periods. As adults, the teeth are more stable and less likely to shift and require braces again.
While braces themselves are not permanent, a retainer may be recommended for indefinite wear after braces are removed. This flexible plastic retainer behind the teeth preserves and maintains the new straightened tooth positions.
How long are braces typically worn for?
The typical braces treatment timeline is:
- 6 months to 1 year for minor alignment issues
- 1-2 years for moderate realignment
- 2-3 years when significant realignment is needed
This timeline can vary based on the severity of your case and how diligently you wear your braces and rubber bands as directed. Adults generally require a shorter braces timeline than children and teens since their jaws have finished growing.
When can braces come off?
Your orthodontist will determine when your braces can be removed by closely monitoring your tooth movement progress. Generally, braces can be taken off when:
- All alignment issues have been corrected
- The bite alignment is ideal
- Spaces between teeth have closed as desired
- The teeth have been stabilized in position for a period of time
It is critical to attend all follow-up appointments so your orthodontist can continually evaluate your progress and determine when your teeth are ready for braces removal. Do not try to remove braces on your own before getting orthodontic approval.
What happens when braces are taken off?
When your orthodontist decides your braces treatment is complete, you will come in for a de-bonding appointment. During this visit:
- The braces brackets and wires will be completely removed from your teeth.
- A dental tool is used to scrape off any remaining adhesive.
- Your teeth will be polished and buffed.
- A permanent retainer may be bonded behind your front teeth.
After brace removal, your teeth will feel slimy and smooth. It may take a couple days to adjust to the new feeling in your mouth without braces. Maintaining good oral hygiene and wearing your removable retainers as directed are critical during this period.
Do you need permanent retainers after braces?
Permanent fixed retainers are often recommended after braces for these reasons:
- They prevent your front teeth from shifting, especially as they stabilize after brace removal.
- They maintain your smile in perfect alignment.
- They are convenient since they are fixed in place behind the teeth.
- Compliance with removable retainers tends to decline over time.
These permanent fixed wire retainers are bonded behind the front 6-8 upper and lower teeth. Partial permanent retainers may also be used only on the lower front teeth if needed. While permanent, they can be removed later by an orthodontist if desired.
Do you still need to wear a retainer after permanent retainers?
In addition to permanent fixed retainers, removable retainers are also prescribed for most patients after braces. They serve important complementary purposes:
- Keeping teeth aligned as the permanent retainer only spans 6-8 front teeth
- Allowing for continued tooth adjustments by the orthodontist
- Maintaining tooth positions as permanent retainers can occasionally de-bond
- Improving long-term stability over decades of retention
- Supporting complete oral hygiene access across all teeth
Removable and permanent retainers work together as a retention system. The removable retainer should be worn as directed to protect your investment in your smile.
How long do you need to wear a retainer after braces?
Retainer wear after braces is recommended for:
- Full-time wear for the first 6 months after braces removal
- Night-time wear for at least 1-3 years as teeth stabilize
- Potentially indefinite night-time wear for life per your orthodontist’s recommendations
Without retainers, your teeth may quickly relapse towards their former positions. Consistent long-term retainer use preserves your investment in orthodontic treatment.
Can teeth move after permanent retainer removal?
Yes, some tooth movement is likely after removing a permanent retainer due to the elasticity of the periodontal fibers around teeth. Without the permanent retainer wires holding them in position, teeth can gradually shift over time. This potential tooth movement after fixed retainer removal reinforces the importance of wearing a removable retainer as a backup.
Conclusion
While braces are an effective short-term treatment for realigning teeth, they are not intended to be worn permanently. Braces apply targeted pressures to gradually move teeth into ideal positions over 1-3 years. Once the teeth have been stabilized in proper alignment, the braces are removed. Fixed permanent retainers behind the front teeth are often inserted to help maintain this new straightened smile. Wearing removable retainers as directed is also critical for long-term teeth retention. With proper orthodontic retention, your improved smile can stay beautiful and stable for life after braces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my braces permanently?
No, braces are not meant to be worn permanently. Braces apply pressure to teeth to move them into proper position, which should only be done temporarily during orthodontic treatment. Keeping braces on indefinitely could damage teeth and lead to oral health problems.
Do permanent retainers break easily?
Permanent retainers are made from strong metal wire bonded securely behind the teeth, so they rarely break or come loose when made well. However, they can occasionally de-bond, especially if you bite into very hard or sticky foods. See your orthodontist immediately if your permanent retainer breaks or feels loose.
Can permanent retainers be removed?
Yes, permanent fixed retainers can be removed by an orthodontist if desired. They can cut the wire and then polish your teeth smoothly after removal. However, keep in mind your teeth could shift without the permanent retainer holding them.
Should I get a permanent or removable retainer?
Most orthodontists recommend both a permanent fixed retainer behind the front teeth plus a removable retainer for the rest of the mouth. The combination provides complete retention. Removable retainers also allow orthodontists to make minor tooth adjustments.
How do I clean permanent retainers?
Use floss threaders to floss carefully between your teeth around the fixed retainer wire. Brush the wire and teeth surfaces thoroughly. You can also use a proxybrush or interdental cleaner for added cleaning around a permanent retainer.
Can a general dentist remove permanent retainers?
Only an orthodontist or the original treating dentist should remove permanent retainers, not a general dentist. The process requires specialty training and tools to remove bonded retainers properly without damaging teeth.
Key Takeaways
- Braces are designed for temporary tooth movement and are not intended to be permanent.
- After 1-3 years of braces alignment, teeth are stabilized in proper positions.
- Permanent fixed retainers behind front teeth help maintain straightened smiles long-term.
- Removable retainers are also critical for supplemental retention after braces.
- Consistent retainer use preserves teeth alignment and your investment in orthodontic treatment.