Orthodontic treatment involves a great deal of effort on the part of the patient, so it’s almost certainly a relief when you’re finally done with your braces or clear aligners. However, it is essential to wear your retainer regularly after completing orthodontic treatment to keep your teeth in their hard-won new alignment. Here’s a brief guide to why retainers are necessary and a few tips to make wearing yours easier.
Reason #1: Preventing Relapse
As soon as your traditional braces or clear aligners are removed, your teeth will begin to gradually shift back towards their former positions, and allowing them to do so will ruin the results of your orthodontic treatment. Retainers prevent this by holding the teeth in their new positions as the gum and bone tissue resolidify around them. While it’s especially important to wear your retainer as instructed in the years immediately following your orthodontic treatment, it’s best to continue wearing your appliance for life.
Reason #2: Avoiding the Need for Retreatment
Orthodontic treatment is not cheap, so it only makes sense to do everything you can to ensure that it works the first time so you will not need a retreatment. Wearing your retainer as instructed will preserve the results of your treatment and prevent the need for more orthodontic services. Since well-aligned teeth are harder to injure, preserving your results by wearing your retainer can also potentially save you thousands of dollars by preventing the need for restorative work.
Reason #3: Preserving Your Self-Image
While well-aligned teeth come with a range of oral and overall health benefits such as less jaw pain, more efficient chewing, and fewer oral infections, a beautifully straight smile can also work wonders for your self-image. Having teeth you can be proud of can make it much easier to grin and friends, family, and coworkers, which can help you maintain healthy social connections and enjoy fulfilling outings with loved ones. Wearing your retainer will help you keep your grin gorgeous and healthy for years to come.
Don’t let your teeth shift out of place after all the effort you put into your orthodontic treatment. By wearing your retainer as instructed and practicing excellent oral hygiene, you can ensure that your teeth stay straight and healthy for life.
About the Practice
Buckhead Orthodontics offers outstanding smile-straightening services to the community of Atlanta. Led by Drs. Michael and Cristina Everson, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys courteous treatment and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include traditional braces, Invisalign, and retainers and oral appliances. To learn more about the benefits of wearing your retainer, contact the office online or dial (404) 697-7497.