Finishing orthodontic treatment is an exciting milestone. After months (or sometimes years) of wearing braces or clear aligners, you finally get to enjoy your new, straight smile. But before you get too comfortable, there’s one more crucial step—wearing your retainer.
Your retainer might seem like a small part of your orthodontic journey, but it plays a big role in protecting your results. Here are three key reasons why wearing your retainer as directed is so important.
1. Teeth Naturally Shift Over Time
Even after your braces or aligners come off, your teeth are still settling into their new positions. The ligaments and bone that hold them in place need time to stabilize, and without a retainer, they can begin to move back toward their original alignment.
This natural shifting—known as orthodontic relapse—can start within days or weeks if you stop wearing your retainer. That means all your time, effort, and investment in treatment could slowly disappear. Wearing your retainer consistently keeps your teeth securely in place while your mouth adjusts to the new alignment.
2. Protects the Health of Your Bite and Jaw
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about function. When your teeth are properly aligned, your bite distributes pressure evenly, helping to prevent excessive wear and jaw discomfort. If your teeth begin to drift out of alignment, it can create bite imbalances that strain your jaw muscles and joints.
Your retainer helps maintain a healthy bite long-term, ensuring your jaw functions comfortably and efficiently. It’s a simple step that can save you from future discomfort or corrective dental work.
3. Saves You Time and Money in the Long Run
No one wants to go through orthodontic treatment twice. Unfortunately, that’s what can happen if retainers aren’t worn consistently. Even small shifts can require additional treatment to correct, which means more appointments, more time, and more cost.
Wearing your retainer exactly as prescribed—usually full-time at first and then nightly—helps preserve your straight smile for life. Think of it as insurance for your orthodontic investment. A few hours of wear each day is a small price to pay for maintaining the smile you worked so hard to achieve.
How to Keep Your Retainer in Good Shape
To make sure your retainer lasts, treat it with care. Always store it in its case when not in use, and clean it daily with a gentle brush and cool water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic, and never wrap your retainer in a napkin—it’s too easy to accidentally throw it away!
If your retainer feels loose, cracked, or uncomfortable, contact your orthodontist for an adjustment or replacement.
Keep Your Smile for Life
Your orthodontic treatment may be finished, but keeping your results requires a little ongoing effort. Wearing your retainer as recommended will help your teeth stay beautifully aligned and your smile confident for years to come.
About the Practice
Find peace with your smile at Serenity Orthodontics. Our valued patients receive personalized, high-quality care from a team dedicated to creating lasting, healthy smiles. Our orthodontic team provides comprehensive services—including retainers, braces, and clear aligners—to ensure your results stand the test of time.
Call us at (470) 589-4475 or request an appointment online.