Finally getting your braces removed or finishing your last set of clear aligners feels like crossing the finish line after a long, exhausting marathon. And after months or years of adjustments, diligence, and perhaps even the occasional orthodontic emergency, you might feel like the hard part is finally over. While it might be, you aren’t entirely out of the woods yet! Wearing your retainer following the end of your treatment is just as important as the treatment itself. Here’s why.
What Happens If You Don’t Wear Your Retainer?
Your teeth are not permanently locked into their new positions once your braces come off or you’re done wearing your clear aligners. The bone and ligaments surrounding your teeth need time to adapt to their new positions, and even after that, your teeth will naturally want to drift due to everyday forces like chewing, aging, and the ongoing growth of your jaw.
This is called orthodontic relapse, and it’s the biggest thing you’ll want to prevent following your treatment—and unfortunately, it can begin surprisingly quickly if you aren’t careful. Once this relapse sets in, your teeth may crowd, shift, or rotate, which can undo all of your hard work and even warrant the need for further treatment later on.
Your retainer’s job is simple but important beyond measure; it holds your teeth in place while your bone and gum tissue stabilizes around them. Retainers can be removable or fixed, but in either case, the purpose is the same.
Tips for Consistent Retainer Wear
Sticking to your retainer schedule isn’t complicated, and a few smart habits can make a big difference:
- If your retainer is removable, wear it exactly as instructed, especially during the first few months of treatment when your relapse risk is the highest. Your wear time will eventually taper off, usually to night-time only.
- Keep your retainer clean and store it in its case when you aren’t wearing it so that it doesn’t become lost or damaged.
- Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments so that your provider can check your retainer’s fit and function.
- If your retainer feels loose, no longer fits comfortably, or is cracked or damaged, don’t wear it and reach out to your orthodontist at once.
The bottom line is, your orthodontic journey isn’t truly finished until you’ve locked in your retainer routine and stay consistent with it!
About Simply Orthodontics
For several years, our team here at Simply Orthodontics has proudly served the needs of patients and families all across New England. We offer a wide range of orthodontic services for all ages, from proven metal braces to clear/ceramic braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and all kinds of other oral appliances like retainers. If you have any questions or concerns about the blog, or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, you can reach out online or call today for additional information or to find the location closest to you.
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