While you can expect to receive a retainer to keep your smile in shape after completing your orthodontic treatment, many people stop wearing them diligently after some time has passed. Unfortunately, not wearing your retainer can allow your teeth to drift back out of alignment, undoing much of what was accomplished while wearing your braces or aligners. Here’s why wearing your old retainer isn’t an effective way to straighten out your teeth again.
Why Are Retainers Necessary?
While most of the work of straightening out your smile is complete once you get your braces off, the crucial work of maintaining the results of your treatment remains. For this reason, orthodontic patients are usually fitted for retainers to be worn after their treatment is over so that their teeth don’t drift back into misalignment. Your dentist will instruct you as to when you should wear it, and while it’s crucial to follow these instructions during the critical period immediately after your treatment, it’s also best to continue wearing your retainer from then on.
Can Retainers Straighten Teeth?
While retainers can prevent teeth from drifting out of alignment after orthodontic treatment, they cannot realign teeth on their own. Since they work by bracing teeth against movement rather than applying pressure to change their position, wearing your retainer to get your teeth back into alignment will not work. If you need to correct misalignments that formed after you have already undergone orthodontic treatment, contact your orthodontist.
However, if you’ve only neglected to wear your retainer for a few weeks or months, it may be able to help your teeth settle back into alignment if it still fits. If your retainer no longer fits, book an appointment with your orthodontist.
How Can I Keep My Retainer in Good Shape?
You can keep your retainer in working order by following the instructions your orthodontist gives you. It’s best to brush your retainer after each meal or when you remove it when you wake up, but take care to use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Use cold water when rinsing your retainer, as hot water can cause it to warp. Keep your retainer in a storage case when not in use, as keeping it in a napkin or in the open can lead to it being thrown away or chewed upon by pets.
Your retainer is your best friend when it comes to maintaining the hard-won results of your orthodontic treatment. By following your orthodontist’s instructions, you can enjoy a beautifully straight smile for life.
About the Author
Dr. William Holland earned his dental degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry where he also completed a five-year dual specialty program in prosthodontics and orthodontics. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists. His office in Jacksonville, FL, offers traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and orthodontic appliances such as retainers. To learn more about keeping your smile in great shape after orthodontic treatment, contact his office online or dial (904) 388-4600.