Finishing braces or clear aligner treatment is a huge milestone for your oral health. Now that your bite feels better, you can finally enjoy the benefits of your new smile. However, there’s one more step to take if you want to keep your results—wearing your retainer. It may feel like an unnecessary chore, but this simple appliance is a critical piece of your treatment that can’t be skipped. Here are three important reasons to wear your retainer without fail.
1. Your Teeth Will Try to Shift Back
Your teeth aren’t fixed in place forever, even after orthodontic treatment. In fact, they are especially likely to move in the following days because the bone and ligaments around them are still adjusting.
Without a retainer, your teeth can slowly drift toward their old positions, undoing all your hard work. A retainer holds your teeth where they belong while your mouth stabilizes, and wearing it as recommended helps keep them locked in.
2. You’ll Want to Protect Your Investment
Orthodontic treatment often requires a good deal of time and money to complete. So, wearing your retainer is the easiest and least expensive way to protect that investment.
If your teeth shift significantly, you may need retreatment in the future, which will cost far more than just wearing a retainer at night. A few minutes of effort each day can save you from extra appointments, added costs, and the frustration of seeing your smile slip back to where it was.
3. You Can Keep Your Smile Comfortable
Straight teeth are more than just accessories for perfect selfies. They actually help your bite work properly. When your teeth are in the right position, it’s easier to chew, speak, and clean your smile.
If your teeth shift, your bite can become uneven again, leading to excessive wear, jaw discomfort, or trouble keeping areas of your mouth clean. A retainer helps keep your bite balanced, so your smile stays attractive and functional.
How to Make Wearing Your Retainer a Habit
To get the most out of your retainer, you’ll need to follow your orthodontist’s instructions closely. Clean it daily, store it in its case, and avoid putting it in harm’s way near heat, small children, or animals. If your retainer ever feels tight, cracks, or doesn’t fit, call your orthodontic team as soon as possible.
Hopefully, now you can see the importance of your retainer. With consistent use, this little device will help you keep your results, so you can enjoy the benefits of your orthodontic treatment for life.
About the Author
Dr. William “Vaughn” Holland is a skilled dual-specialist dental expert—one of only a handful of such specialists in the US. He earned his dental degree and advanced specialty certificates in Orthodontics and Prosthodontics from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Today, he continues to learn and hone his skills through professional organizations to give confident smiles to all his patients. Call (904) 388-4600 to schedule a consultation at Ortega Orthodontics or visit our website to learn more.