Why You Should Keep Wearing Retainers After You Get Your Braces Taken Out

Now that you have finally survived wearing your braces for a couple of years, it’s time to take out that trusty retainer and keep it in… until bedtime that is. Many people think that just because their teeth are now neat and straight, they can just forego retainers altogether. Some think it’s just a formality, but it isn’t. Yes, your dental appointments are farther apart now, which means that your orthodontist won’t be keeping tabs on your retainer use; but that only makes it more obvious that you are not taking very good care of your teeth. Do you want to know why it’s necessary to keep your retainers on? Let us explain what retainers are and why you should keep wearing them.

What is a Retainer?

A retainer is a small piece of plastic and metal that is molded to the contours of your upper hard palate and the inner surfaces of your teeth. No two retainers are alike even if they look similar. Most people who have worn braces are prescribed to wear retainers for a while after their braces are taken off.

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Why Do You Need to Wear a Retainer?

Some people wear retainers in place of braces to close gaps in their teeth, help with speech impediments and treat certain medical problems like TMJ. The most common reason is to help your teeth stay in place as they adjust to their new positions after getting braces. It is very important that you keep wearing your retainers because as your body grows, your teeth also shift in position. The retainer will help keep your teeth in place as much as possible as it undergoes shifting.

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After you have your braces removed, your orthodontist will fit you with a retainer and indicate how long you are supposed to wear it. Prescriptions vary amongst orthodontists or according to each patient’s case. Some might need to wear retainers for a long period, at specific times like day or night and sometimes even for just a short period.

Retainers can also help alleviate problems like ”tongue thrust.” This happens when your tongue sneaks out of your teeth while you’re talking. It could be potentially dangerous as it might cause you to bite your own tongue, literally speaking. Wearing retainers can also help manage bruxism, or as it is commonly known, teeth grinding.

Things To Remember

Having a retainer entails a lot of responsibility on the owner’s part. You must clean it regularly and remember when to wear it and when to take it off. If you stop wearing retainers long before your doctor told you to stop, this could lead to your old teeth problems coming back. Your teeth might shift back to their old position. This will only lead to you getting another set of braces to correct the new problem.

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Another thing to remember is that you cannot just go out and buy a ready-to-wear retainer, even if it’s just for fashion purposes. This will only lead to the destruction of your gums, hard palate and teeth. If you want a fashionable retainer, you can consult with your orthodontist so that they can create a custom-made retainer for you. OrthoWorks Invisalign and Orthodontic Group specializes in providing the best dental care for your family as well as provide you with sturdy custom-made retainers that come in various colors and custom designs. Contact your nearest OrthoWorks office from this list of branches or call us at (650) 589-4563 to schedule your complimentary consultation appointment today!