If your child is getting treatment from an orthodontist in Chelmsford, MA, you may have questions about what comes after their treatment ends. Whether your child is wearing braces or clear aligners, it’s helpful to know if they’ll need to wear a retainer when the time comes. Knowing what retainers do and why they’re necessary can help you understand whether, and why, your child will need a retainer. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the Purpose of the Retainer?

A retainer is a device that someone wears after their braces are removed to help their teeth “retain” their new configuration. Patients who wear clear aligners must also wear a retainer when their treatment is over. Without the retainer, their teeth might go back to their previous position, which would waste the time, effort, and money spent on braces or clear aligners.

Does Everyone Who Needs Braces Get a Retainer?

Nearly all patients with braces are recommended to wear a retainer when their treatment is over. Most patients are told that they must continue to wear the retainer for as long as they want their teeth to keep their new position.

Want Orthodontic Treatment With Braces and Retainer in Chelmsford, MA? Call Today

If your child needs orthodontic treatment that involves braces and a retainer in Chelmsford, MA, we can help. Our dental professionals can help your child find the right orthodontic treatment for their needs, and then we can help them maintain their teeth’s new position with a retainer. Call today to make an appointment.