Retainers Rock: Here’s Why You Should Wear Yours as Instructed

Orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign are the best way to straighten out misaligned teeth, which can help prevent oral infections, dental damage, chronic discomfort, and TMJ issues. However, wearing your retainer as instructed after your orthodontic treatment is over will be essential to preserving your results and preventing new misalignments. Here’s a brief guide to how retainers work and why you should wear yours according to your dentist’s instructions.

What Are Retainers?

A retainer consists of a base usually made of plastic and a wire that runs around the perimeter of the teeth when worn. This devices serves to hold the teeth in place after orthodontic treatment, and they are essential to keeping the smile in its healthy new alignment. While it’s especially important to wear your retainer regularly for the first few years after your treatment is over, it’s ideal to continue wearing the device for life.

What Happens if I Do Not Wear My Retainer?

Once your treatment is over, it only makes sense that you’ll want to protect your investment by doing what you can to keep your teeth in their new alignment. Unfortunately, your teeth will immediately begin to drift back toward their former positions after you remove your Invisalign aligners for the last time, so wearing your retainer will be absolutely essential to preserving your results. Failing to wear your retainer as instructed will lead to new dental misalignments, the oral health problems they cause, and the need for more orthodontic work.

How Can I Keep My Retainer in Great Shape?

While your retainer can be replaced if it is damaged or lost, it’s best to keep your appliance in great shape for as long as possible. To do this, brush it thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste or mild hand soap at least once a day to eliminate plaque and food accumulations. Remember to remove it before eating anything, and always take care to place it in a protective case when not wearing it.

Don’t let your teeth drift back into a troublesome misalignment after all the hard work you put into your Invisalign treatment. Be sure to wear your retainer according to your dentist’s instructions.

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Capehart earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio where he was a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dallas County Dental Society. His office in Lewisville offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign. To learn more about proper retainer care, contact his office online or dial (972) 436-1325.