You finally got your braces off! Freedom, right?! Well yes, except for one of the most important parts of braces – the retainer.
I get it. Who wants to wear something on their teeth when you finally got everything taken off… Here is why it’s important to stick with a retainer on a regular basis and what happens if you don’t.
Why do you need the retainer?
Retainers are to retain the new position of your teeth. As your (or your child’s) body grows, teeth naturally shift. Retainers keep them in the position you aimed for when you went through the braces stage.
Retainers are absolutely necessary after the braces stage. They prevent teeth shifting, also known as relapse.
What happens if you don’t wear your retainer?
- Teeth can move back to their original position and may even become crooked
- You may have to re-start your braces treatment to get your teeth straight again
- If it has been too long since you have put in your retainer, it may no longer fit. New retainers cost money to be made and your perfect initial results may be lost forever
The longer you have had braces and use your retainer as directed by your orthodontist, the less likely your teeth are to shift. This is why the retainer stage is especially important right after braces removal.
Typically, patients are asked to wear their retainer every night for 2+ months and then a schedule is worked out for your personal situation for how often you should wear it. It is best to allow your orthodontist to set this schedule for you and follow it closely.
Our family had our braces treatments done at Level Orthodontics. With both Invisalign and traditional braces, we have all been instructed to follow a retainer period. What I really like about Level is that they also include in their treatment and permanent wire along the back of the front four teeth (not every Orthodontist offers this) which ensures the most critical part of your smile does not revert from the results you so patiently waited for through your treatment.
Tip: Check if your ortho offers the permanent retainer during your consultation. This part makes a HUGE difference.
Level Orthodontics has two convenient locations in Edmonton (Northside & Southside) and offers free consultations at both of them. Learn more about the services they offer for perfecting your family’s smiles on their website here.
Photo credit: Lincoln Park Smiles