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It’s natural to feel excited as you approach the end of your orthodontic treatment. After all, it won’t be long until your braces are removed or you can stop wearing your clear aligners and can show off your perfectly even grin.
However, many patients are surprised to learn that they may need to wear a retainer following their treatment. If you’re frustrated by having to wear another oral appliance after finishing your orthodontics, continue reading to learn 3 benefits of using your retainer as directed!
Reason #1: Relapse Can Happen Quickly
Your teeth have a natural capacity for movement, which is why orthodontic services are effective. Whether you get standard braces, clear aligners, or some other option, these methods work by applying enough pressure on your teeth to gently shift them.
But the tissues that anchor them in place have enough of a muscle memory that your pearly whites are prone to shifting back to their starting places once your treatment is completed. Fortunately, your orthodontist can provide custom-fitted retainer to help keep them in their proper places long enough for the rest of your mouth to acclimate.
Some patients are directed to wear them 24/7 initially and then can gradually reduce wear times after a few months. Others might only need to wear them overnight for a designated period. Your provider will give you detailed instructions based on your unique circumstances, and adhering to their instructions is the best way to maintain your recently enhanced smile.
Reason #2: Prevent Teeth Grinding
Have you noticed that your mouth feels lightweight or “naked” without orthodontic gear in place? Plenty of patients experience unexpected sensations, like sensitivity to changes in temperature or pressure, when following their treatment. You might even feel sore as the ligaments anchoring your teeth adjust to the sudden lack of constant pressure.
Some people cope with the changed sensations by subconsciously grinding their teeth. Although this might temporarily ease the ache, it can also wear down your enamel unevenly or prematurely, increasing the likelihood of developing damage or decay. Your retainer doesn’t push with enough force to move your teeth, but wearing it regularly can help prevent some of the tenderness that might otherwise occur.
Reason #3: Preserve Your Investment
Undergoing orthodontic services requires both your time and personal resources, even if you have insurance to help cover the cost. If your teeth shift out of alignment soon after completing treatment, you’ll accrue additional costs to repair the damage. Thankfully, wearing your retainer can help maintain the results of your recent treatment to protect your investment.
If you have additional questions about why you need a retainer or how long you should wear it, your provider can give you more accurate answers based on your unique circumstances!
Meet the Author
Dr. Saba Asrar has nearly 20 years of experience improving patients’ oral health by straightening their smiles. She completed a dental residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry in New York, and earned her specialization in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Today, she combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate treatments for reliable results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (512) 828-7900.
