The Importance of Wearing a Retainer After Orthodontic Therapy

Getting orthodontic care is vital if you have crooked teeth and want a new smile. These treatments can be effective for even the most serious issues. However, you cannot neglect the aftercare that the orthodontist prescribes. In addition, you will most likely wear a retainer so that your teeth do not move back to their previous positions in the mouth. Following these guidelines will preserve your new smile in the future.

What orthodontic care can address

It is not uncommon for children, teens, and adults to have problems with their smiles. Genetics, thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier usage, and injuries can all contribute to crooked teeth and bite issues. Different orthodontic treatments can straighten teeth. This type of care can also treat crossbites, underbites, and overbites.

A patient may seek treatment for other needs too. For example, braces or aligners can repair gaps in the mouth and teeth crowding. People with abnormally large or small teeth should also look for treatments. If worn teeth from grinding and clenching affect a smile, an orthodontist can help.

An Overview of retainers

A retainer is a device that keeps teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. Some retainers are permanent and bonded to the back of the teeth with dental cement. Other retainers are much like clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth. Many patients wear removable retainers that clasp over the teeth with a wire. With this type, the top retainer conforms to the roof of the mouth.

Duration of wearing the retainer

After a patient finishes an orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist usually instructs the patient to wear the retainer immediately. It will be custom-made and ordinarily available after the patient stops wearing braces or aligners. For the first six months after treatment, the person should wear the retainer virtually 24/7. After that, the person should only take it out to clean it. The orthodontist may tell the patient to remove it while eating.

After six months, the patient typically wears the retainer during the night while sleeping. This schedule may go on for three to six months. At this point, the orthodontist will examine the patient to determine whether further wear is necessary. Permanent retainers are often not removed and cannot be removed without assistance from an orthodontist.

What happens when the patient fails to wear the retainer?

Wearing a retainer is an essential step in any orthodontic treatment. The device helps to prevent teeth from regressing to their former positions in the mouth. For long-lasting results, a retainer will keep the new smile straight. However, patients who do not follow the orthodontist's instructions can expect to have crooked teeth once again. The movement can occur soon after the patient stops wearing braces or aligners.

The Benefits of wearing a retainer

Keeps teeth from shifting

After removing the braces, it can take time for the teeth to settle into their new positions and adapt to the new changes. A retainer can help maintain the patient's results from their orthodontic treatment and keep their new smile aligned.

Helps with oral hygiene

When patients regularly wear their retainer, they continue the work done by their orthodontic treatment. Straight teeth are easier to clean and maintain. Patients can brush and floss easily, keep their teeth straight, and ensure that their smile is healthy.

Defends against tongue thrust

Some patients involuntarily thrust the tongue forward when they swallow, talk, or even when the tongue rests still in their mouth. Unfortunately, tongue thrusting can push their newly straightened teeth and ruin the work done during their orthodontic treatment. A retainer can effectively defend against this problem, preventing the teeth from moving.

Assists breathing and speech

A lesser-known benefit of retainers is that they can help patients breathe and speak. The retainer supports people in maintaining the proper posture that helps them breathe, particularly when they sleep and may have trouble breathing or snoring. In addition, it aids in positioning a patient's tongue so they can properly form sounds and words.

Avoids clenching teeth

After a patient finishes their orthodontic treatment, their teeth will likely feel different. As a result, some people may clench their jaw as they adapt to the new sensations. A retainer is a healthy reminder not to clench and helps them avoid oral health issues, such as migraines and grinding their teeth.

Include your retainer in your treatment plan

It is exciting to finish your orthodontic treatment. However, braces or aligners are only part of the process. To maintain your straight, gorgeous smile, you need to wear a retainer as the orthodontist directs. As you do this, you can expect to preserve your new look.

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