Have you completed your Invisalign treatment? Then a celebration is in order! You should take a few selfies, grab lunch with some friends, and eat any of the foods that you’ve been missing. Of course, it’s important to also keep your retainer close by. After all, this little orthodontic appliance will play a big role in preventing orthodontic relapse. But do you have to wear it forever? Keep reading for the answer.
So, Will You Have to Wear Your Retainer Forever?
In short, the answer is yes. Previously, patients were told they only had to wear the retainer for a year or two, but advancements in the field of orthodontics have proven that optimal results rest heavily on lifelong wear. Naturally, you won’t have to wear it 24/7 for the decades to come. Most likely, you’ll be instructed to wear it as much as possible for the first six months or so. After your teeth have “set” in place, you can transition to wearing them solely at night.
What Happens If I Don’t Wear My Retainer?
If you don’t wear your retainer, then you increase your chances of orthodontic relapse. Essentially, this is the phenomenon in which your teeth begin to drift out of alignment, resulting in crooked and gapped teeth once more. This not only means you’ll have to go through re-treatment, but it also means the time and money you previously invested was wasted. The good news is that you can help prevent that from happening by wearing your retainer consistently. It’s one of the best ways to ensure you have a flawless smile both now and decades from now!
5 Tips for Keeping Your Retainer in Good Shape
Keeping your retainer in good shape will naturally require quite a bit of care. Here are a few best practices you should implement:
- Always remove them before eating
- Soak them in a dentist-recommended cleaner weekly
- Brush them nightly with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid any unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on ice or nail-biting
- Get them repaired or replaced if they sustain any damage
Your retainer will play an essential role in preserving your beautiful new smile, so make sure to wear it often! It’s truly the best way to ensure all of the money and time that you invested in braces doesn’t go to waste.
About the Practice
Leading our team at Simply Orthodontics Dayville are Dr. Sam Alkhoury and Dr. Barrett Nordstrom. Together, they love helping patients both achieve and maintain the flawless smile of their dreams. That’s why they offer custom-made retainers! If you have a question about life after braces, you need a replacement for your retainers, or you simply want to schedule an appointment, then don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (860) 774-2008.