Taking off your braces or attachments is always exciting. Whether you have spent a few months in braces or Invisalign aligners, it takes dedication, time and effort to straighten your smile. This is why it is important to ensure your orthodontic treatment is complete by wearing your retainers.
What is a retainer?
A retainer is a custom-made orthodontic device designed to hold your teeth in their new position after wearing braces or aligners. It is highly recommended to wear your retainers as directed by your orthodontist or you risk undoing some of the progress you have made.
Why do I have to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment?
Simply put, wearing your retainer helps stop your teeth from snapping back to their original position once treatment is completed. Our teeth are attached to our bones and surrounding fibers and ligaments that keep our teeth in their respective places. However, during orthodontic treatment, our teeth and fibrous linkages become slightly loosened as they move to their new positions. Your retainer works by supporting your teeth to settle into the tissues that support them naturally. This can take some time so wearing a retainer regularly can help the gums and bones to realign, further stabilizing your new bite.
What happens if I don’t wear my retainer?
Wearing your retainer is crucial to maintaining your new bite. Our teeth are always moving. This is especially so if you have just taken out your braces or aligners. If you fail to wear your retainer, your teeth may shift and it may mean you’ll need further orthodontic treatment. You may also wind up with teeth more misaligned than before orthodontic treatment.
What happens if I have stopped wearing my retainer?
If you haven’t worn your retainer in a while, one thing you should NOT do is try to force your retainer back into your mouth. Forcing your retainer back into your mouth can damage your teeth, damage your retainer and cause you discomfort and pain.
Instead, contact your orthodontist and they can help assess your bite and provide recommendations.
At the Orthodontic Centre at Northland, we provide a FREE consultation with our Orthodontist to help with all your straightening needs. Contact us today.