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.
