Getting your braces off or finishing your final aligner is a big milestone, and it’s one worth celebrating as you unveil your new smile! However, as excited as you may be, your orthodontic journey isn’t quite over yet. After treatment, your dentist or orthodontist will typically give you a retainer, and wearing it as often as they recommend is one of the most important things you can do for your smile. Here’s why.
1. Your Teeth Are Trying to Move Back
Even after years of careful orthodontic treatment, your teeth will still have a natural tendency to drift toward their original positions once your braces come off. This is called relapse, and it can happen to anyone, whether you wore braces, clear aligners, or other appliances. Retainers hold your teeth in their new positions so they can’t shift back, but remember, a retainer can only do this if you wear it the way your orthodontist instructs.
2. Your Bones & Gums Need Time to Adjust
Moving teeth is only part of the orthodontic process; in the months after treatment, your teeth are especially prone to movement while these tissues adjust, and the bone and gum tissue that support your teeth need time to adapt around their new positions. Your orthodontist may adjust how often you wear your retainer over time, so be sure to follow their guidance and attend your follow-up visits.
3. It Protects Your Overall Investment
Braces and aligners are a commitment; you’ve put in months or even years of appointments, careful cleaning, and dietary adjustments, in addition to spending the money on treatment. Skipping your retainer puts that hard work at risk, and if your teeth shift, you may need additional treatment to fix it. Wearing your retainer as directed is a simple, low-effort way to protect your investment and avoid repeating the process or needing costly care in the future.
Make Wearing Your Retainer a Habit
These tips can ensure that wearing your retainer becomes second nature:
- Put your retainer in at the same time every day, such as right after brushing your teeth at night, so it becomes a part of your normal routine.
- Retainers wrapped in napkins or paper towels are one of the most common reasons they get lost or thrown away. Be sure you’re using its protective case to store it every time it comes out.
- Rinse your retainer in cool water and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water and toothpaste, which can damage its surface.
- If your retainer is cracked, loose, or no longer fits well, contact your orthodontist right away!
Remember, your retainer is what keeps your hard-earned results in place, so it’s worth wearing as often as you need to!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has served the needs of patients and families in the New England area for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for all ages. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an orthodontic consultation, you can reach out online or call today for more information or to find the location closest to you.
Follow Us