Congratulations on completing your orthodontic treatment! You’ve finally achieved a beautiful, straight smile with the help of your orthodontist. However, your journey to a perfect smile doesn’t end when your braces come off or you finish your Invisalign treatment. In fact, it’s just as important to wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist. But what’s so important about a retainer? Read on to find out!
1. Preserve Your Results
First and foremost, your retainer preserves your treatment results. Orthodontic treatment involves gradually moving your teeth into their correct positions over time. Once your treatment is complete, your teeth may still try to shift back to their former alignment. Wearing your retainer as prescribed helps maintain the results achieved by your braces or aligners, preventing this undesirable tooth movement.
2. Preserve Your Investment
Orthodontic treatment requires a significant investment of time, effort, and money. Not wearing your retainer as recommended can set you back in all these ways, requiring you to undergo treatment once again.
3. Preserve Your Comfort
You might recall the discomfort you felt while going through your orthodontic treatment. Every adjustment period comes with some growing pains. If you skip wearing your retainer, it can lead to more discomfort and tightness. As your teeth begin moving out of alignment, this discomfort may increase over time. This can trigger the need for additional orthodontic treatment to correct the changes and bring your comfort level back.
4. Preserve Your Oral Health
Straight teeth are far easier to care for than crooked ones. In this way, your newly treated smile helps prevent plaque buildup in the crevices of your smile. Over time, this will lead to an overall reduction in mouth bacteria and more healthy teeth and gums.
Wearing your retainer every day is crucial for keeping the results of your orthodontic treatment and preserving your new smile. Try to make it a priority to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for retainer wear. This will help you to enjoy the lasting benefits of your beautiful, straight teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Isaak Yelizar is a talented and passionate orthodontist who enjoys getting to know his patients and helping them achieve beautiful straight smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from New York University College of Dentistry, graduating with the highest honors before training to become a board-certified orthodontist. Today, Dr. Yelizar continues to expand his skills through continuing education. Call (929) 229-1009 to schedule an orthodontic consultation at SimpliBraces or visit the website to get more information about their treatments and services.