Immediately following your orthodontic treatment, you probably won’t struggle with following all of your orthodontist’s instructions, like wearing your retainer each evening. As time goes on, however, your motivation may start to dwindle. If that’s where you’re at now, then read on to learn a few important reasons to wear your retainer!
4 Reasons to Wear Your Retainer
Have you heard of orthodontic relapse? This is the phenomenon where teeth begin to drift back into their misaligned positions, and it happens to upwards of 50% of patients in the months and years following the removal of their braces. In other words, wearing your retainer as directed will:
- Preserve the time and money you invested in braces
- Keep your teeth in line, which benefits the look and health of your smile
- Avoid unwanted movement from tongue thrust
- Prevent damage from teeth grinding and clenching
How Often You Need to Wear Your Retainer
Typically, patients are told to wear their retainer each evening while they sleep. However, there are some cases where orthodontists recommend wearing it around the clock for the first few months. This is usually recommended if one or more of your teeth were particularly stubborn during your treatment and, therefore, are more likely to move back into their previous position.
4 Ways to Keep Your Retainer in Pristine Condition
Wearing your retainer is a life-long habit. So, if you had to replace it every year, you could see how that could end up being quite expensive. The good news is that retainers can last for 5-10 years with proper care. If you’re not sure how to maintain yours, here are some tips to help:
- Always take them off before eating or drinking anything other than water
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and cool water to clean them twice a day
- Store them in their designated case when you aren’t wearing them
- Use an orthodontist-recommended cleaner to give them a deeper clean as needed
About the Practice
Our team at Super Braces of Lawrence isn’t just here to straighten your teeth; we’re here to help you maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment both now and years from now! That’s why we also offer custom-made retainers, and we can provide you with a new one if you accidentally lose yours or it’s simply time to have a replacement made. If you have any questions for our team about your retainer or you want to schedule an appointment to start your teeth-straightening journey, then don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our website or by phone at (978) 794-0000.