Getting your braces off after years of wearing them is one of the best feelings. However, the treatment wasn’t over yet. Retainers are often worn after braces to ensure the hard work continues. Although wearing a maintainer may seem like a hassle, it is essential to maintaining a beautiful smile. Not wearing them can have a significant impact on the appearance of your teeth.
The importance of wearing a maintainer
Retainers are tools worn after any orthodontic treatment to help maintain the new position of the teeth. Depending on your problem, your dentist may recommend removable retainers, permanent retainers, or a combination of both.
It is normal to feel discomfort when wearing your new retainer. It can rub against your cheeks, tongue, and lips in different ways, causing sores and pain. However, it shouldn’t cause problems long-term. If this happens, call your dentist to make an appointment.
What happens when you stop wearing your retainer at night?
Forgetting to wear your retainer for a night or two won’t have much impact. However, if you fail to wear them consistently, your teeth may move and your retainers may feel too tight or too loose. When this happens, your orthodontist may need more treatments to realign your teeth.
- One week later: Your teeth will begin to move back into their original positions. You may show signs of tooth relapse, such as changes in your bite, gaps between teeth, or tooth crowding.
- One month later: Not wearing your retainer for a month may cause changes in your bite. Your teeth may have returned to their original position. When this happens, you should see your doctor. You may also want to wear it in the morning to speed up the straightening process.
- One year later: If the retainer is not worn for a year, it will cause the teeth to become crooked. Your teeth will return to their original position, which may require you to start the orthodontic procedure all over again.
How long do I need to wear a retainer?
Maintainers must be worn every night for the first year to hold the teeth in their new position as the bones, ligaments, and gums adapt. Depending on the position of your teeth, your doctor may reduce the wear to at least once a week in the long term. How long this phase lasts will depend on your discipline and the movement of your teeth, but some people need to wear it permanently.
Therefore, following your dentist’s recommendations is crucial for best results. Not wearing your retainers will undo all the hard work gained with braces.
How to ensure retainers remain valid
Your maintainer requires proper care. Without it, it may deteriorate over time, reducing its effectiveness. Discover tips to ensure your treatment is a quick success.
Regular cleaning
Your retainer requires regular brushing, just like your teeth. Soak it in retainer cleaning solution at least once a week to prevent bacterial buildup. Avoid using hot water or bleach when cleaning as they can cause warping.
If you wear a permanent retainer, brush and floss as usual. If you find it difficult to clean your retainer thoroughly, use an interdental brush, a small tool with bristles that removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth.
Store properly
No matter where you go, always take your fixed case with you. Take it out and put it in the box immediately before eating to avoid loss. Do not put it in your pocket or purse as this may damage the device. What’s more, don’t wrap it in a napkin to avoid accidentally mistaking it for trash.
Handle with care
Use both hands when putting on and taking off the maintainer to avoid damage. Remember, they will dry out quickly if not kept moist. Soak in cold water or special care solution to maintain its shape.
stay hydrated
Dehydration can cause dryness in the mouth, which can affect the hydration of your retainer. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential for dental health because it helps produce saliva and prevents bacterial growth.
Visit your dentist for proper guidance
Tracking is crucial so your doctor can evaluate the condition of your maintainer. They will make adjustments to accommodate the movement of your teeth.
Wear a maintainer regularly
Maintainers may feel painful initially, but that doesn’t mean you have to neglect wearing them. Wear it as directed by your dentist to maintain a beautiful smile and oral health.
