3 Reasons to Keep Wearing Your Retainer

You have finally finished your orthodontic treatment! As excited as you are to show off your new smile and go back to your normal routine, it isn’t over yet. Chances are that your dentist prescribed a retainer for you to wear in order to maintain your beautiful smile results. There are several different reasons why wearing it as your dentist instructs is so important for the outcome of your smile. Continue reading to learn why you should be wearing your retainer after your orthodontic treatment.

Prevent Relapse

Your orthodontic treatment was effective by using pressure to push your teeth into new, aligned locations that they weren’t necessarily used to. When you get your braces off or finish your last set of clear aligners, your teeth could quickly return to their original locations. Wearing your retainer, especially during this early aftercare period, is crucial to keep the beautiful results of your treatment. Don’t let all your hard work and effort go to waste because you decided not to wear your retainer!

Save Time and Money

Ultimately, the more treatment you get, the longer it will take for you to have your finished results and the more money you will end up spending. If your teeth aren’t kept in their new places with your retainer, they will move around causing you to need further treatment if you want to get your aligned smile back. By wearing your retainer as instructed by your dentist, you will save both time and money in the long run.

Keep Your Teeth Straight Indefinitely

There are many different things that contribute to your alignment. Even if you have had braces and your teeth have settled into place, it is still possible for them to move in the future. As people age, so does their body, face, and mouth. Teeth in the back of the mouth have a tendency to move forward and cause overcrowding in the front of the mouth. This can happen to anyone, even if you have always had perfectly straight teeth in the past. By wearing your retainer often, you are not only preventing relapse, but you are also keeping your smile from changing in the future.

If you just finished your orthodontic treatment, remember that you shouldn’t just return to your normal routine! In order to maintain your long-term results, save money, and prevent further movement, you should be wearing your retainer as directed going forward.

About the Author

Dr. Matt VanderMolen has been serving patients in Springfield and Central Illinois for over three decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois and is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (217) 546-3333.