Removing your braces after years of wearing them is one of the best feelings. However, the treatment isn’t over yet. Retainers are commonly worn after braces to ensure the hard work lasts. While wearing a retainer may seem a nuisance, it’s crucial for preserving your beautiful smile. Failing to wear them can have significant impacts on your teeth’s appearance.
The Importance Of Wearing A Retainer
Retainers are tools worn after any orthodontic straightening treatment that helps maintain teeth’s new position. Depending on your issue, your dentist may recommend a removable retainer, permanent retainer or a combination of both.
It’s normal to feel discomfort when wearing a new retainer. It can rub your cheeks, tongue and lips differently, causing sores and pain. However, it shouldn’t cause issues for long periods. If that happens, call your dentist for an appointment.
What Happens When You Stop Wearing Your Retainer At Night?
Forgetting to wear your retainer for a night or two won’t make a huge difference. However, your teeth may move if you miss wearing it consistently, and your retainer will feel too tight or loose. When this happens, your orthodontist may require more treatment to realign your teeth again.
After one week: Your teeth will start moving to their original position. You might experience signs of tooth relapse, such as changes in bite, gaps or crowded teeth.
After one month: Not wearing a retainer for a month can cause bite changes. Your teeth may have already gone back to their original positions. When this happens, you should see your doctor. You may also need to wear it in the morning to speed up the straightening process.
After one year: Failing to wear your retainer for a year will result in crooked teeth. Your teeth will return to their original position, which may require you to restart your orthodontic straightening procedure.
How Long Do You Need To Wear A Retainer?
Retainers must be worn every night for the first year to keep teeth in their new position as bones, ligaments and gums adapt. Depending on your teeth’s position, your doctor may reduce the wear to at least once a week in the long run. How long this phase lasts will depend on your discipline and your teeth’s movement, but some individuals need to wear it on a part-time basis forever.
Therefore, following your dentist’s advice is essential for the best results. Not wearing your retainer can nullify all the hard work achieved through braces.
How To Ensure A Retainer Remains Effective
Your retainer needs proper care. Without it, it may deteriorate over time, decreasing its effectiveness. Discover tips to ensure your treatment’s speedy success.
Clean It Regularly
Your retainer needs regular brushing, just like your teeth. Soak it in a retainer-cleaning solution at least once weekly to prevent germ buildup. Avoid using hot water or bleach when cleaning, as they can cause deformation.
If you’re wearing a permanent retainer, brush and floss as normal. If you find it challenging to clean your retainer thoroughly, use an interdental brush, a tiny tool with bristles that can remove plaque and food particles between the teeth.
Store Properly
Always bring your retainer case wherever you go. Put it in its case immediately after removing it before eating to avoid losing it. Don’t place it in your pocket or purse, which can damage the device. More importantly, don’t wrap it in a napkin to avoid accidentally mistaking 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 kept moisturized. Soak in cool water or specialty care liquids to retain its form.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause mouth dryness, which may affect the moisture of your retainer. Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial for dental health, as it helps make saliva, preventing bacteria growth.
Visit Your Dentist For Proper Guidance
Follow-up visits are vital so your doctor can assess your retainer’s condition. They will perform adjustments to adapt to your teeth’s movements.
Wear Your Retainer Regularly
Retainers may feel painful initially, but that doesn’t mean you must neglect wearing them. Preserve your beautiful smile and oral health by wearing it as directed by your dentist.
