After years of wearing them, getting your braces off is one of the best feelings. However, treatment isn’t over yet. Retainers are usually worn after braces to ensure the hard work lasts. Although wearing a retainer may seem like a hassle, it’s critical to maintaining a beautiful smile. Failing to do so can have significant penalties on the appearance of your teeth.
The Importance Of Wearing A Retainer
Retainers are instruments used after any orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth and help maintain the new position of your teeth. Depending on your problem, your dentist may recommend a removable retainer, a permanent retainer, or a combination of both.
It’s normal to feel some discomfort when wearing a new retainer. It can irritate your cheeks, tongue, and lips in various ways, causing sores and pain. However, this shouldn’t cause problems for long. If this happens, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.
What Occurs When You Stop Wearing Your Retainer At Night?
It won’t make much difference if you forget to wear your retainer for a night or two. However, your teeth may shift if you don’t wear them consistently, causing the retainer to feel too tight or loose. When this happens, your orthodontist may need additional treatment to straighten your teeth again.
- After a week, Your teeth will return to their original position. You may experience signs of tooth relapse, such as changes in your bite, gaps between teeth, or crowded teeth.
- After a month: Not wearing a retainer for a month can cause your bite to change. Your teeth may have already returned to their original position. When this happens, you should see a doctor. You may also need to wear it in the morning to speed up the straightening process.
- After a year: Not wearing a retainer for a year will cause your teeth to become crooked. Your teeth will return to their original position, which may require another orthodontic straightening procedure.
How Long Do You Need To Wear A Retainer?
Retainers should be worn every night for the first year to keep your teeth in their new position while your bones, ligaments, and gums adjust. Depending on the position of your teeth, your doctor may reduce long-term wear to at least once a week. The measurement of this phase will depend on your discipline and the movement of your teeth, but some people need to wear it part-time forever.
Therefore, following your dentist’s advice is essential for best results. Not wearing a retainer can undo all the hard work you’ve put in with braces.
How To Ensure A Retainer Remains Effective
Your retainer needs proper care. Without it, it can deteriorate over time, reducing its effectiveness. Read on for tips that will ensure quick success with your treatment.
Clean It Regularly
Your retainer needs regular cleaning, just like your teeth. Soak it in a retainer cleaning solution at least once a week to prevent germ buildup. Avoid using hot water when washing, as these can cause warping.
Suppose you wear a permanent retainer, brush, and floss your teeth as usual. If you find it difficult to thoroughly clean your retainer, use an interdental brush, a small, bristled tool that can remove plaque and food particles between your teeth.
Store Properly
Always carry your retainer case with you wherever you go. Please put it back in the case immediately after taking it out before eating to avoid losing it. Please do not keep it in your pocket or purse, as it could damage the device. And most importantly, do not wrap it in a napkin so as not to accidentally mistake it for trash.
Handle With Care
Use both hands when wearing and removing retainers to avoid damage. Remember that they dry out quickly if not moisturized. Soak in cold water or special care liquids to maintain shape.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause dry mouth, affecting your retainer’s moisture content. Drinking fluids is essential for dental health, promoting saliva production and preventing bacterial growth.
Visit Your Dentist For Proper Guidance
Follow-up visits are vital so that your doctor can assess the condition of your retainer. They will make adjustments to accommodate the movements of your teeth.
Wear Your Retainer Regularly
Retainers may seem painful initially, but that doesn’t mean you should stop wearing them. Maintain your beautiful smile and oral health by wearing them as your dentist recommends.
