If you’ve just wrapped up your orthodontic treatment, congratulations on being one step closer to the smile of your dreams! But the job isn’t done yet—to maintain that new straight set of teeth, it’s imperative that you regularly wear your retainer! Read on to learn about the top three reasons why wearing your retainer after orthodontic treatment is absolutely necessary.
#1. Your Teeth Can Still Relapse After Treatment
The whole purpose of orthodontic treatment is to move and reposition your teeth into a proper position. Sometimes this is a quick process, but other times it can take a while. Depending on the complexity of your treatment and your individual circumstances, your teeth will sometimes attempt to revert to their original, incorrect positions after you’ve completed your treatment. This means that the early aftercare period is crucial; if you don’t wear your retainer, you could reverse the effects of your orthodontic treatment.
#2. Better Value for Your Money
Beautiful smiles don’t always have to be expensive—even though you’ve spent money on orthodontic treatment, a great way to ensure that you don’t have to spend even more money on your smile is by regularly wearing your retainer. Retainers are an easy way to keep your teeth looking straight for as long as possible after your treatment. By wearing your retainer, you’ll almost certainly avoid the need for additional, potentially expensive orthodontics in the future. Your teeth and your wallet will thank you!
#3. A Lifetime of Straighter Teeth
Your smile can change greatly over the course of your lifetime, even with orthodontic treatment. As you age, the balance of forces between your tongue, teeth, and cheeks will change—this contributes towards the tendency for the teeth at the back of your mouth to gradually push forward. Even those with naturally straight and healthy teeth are susceptible to Father Time and his influence; however, retainers can easily be worn long term and help to prevent these future changes!
Orthodontic treatment is an effective way to treat a compromised smile, but it relies heavily on your willingness to wear your retainer at the end of the process. Knowing the reasons for why this step is so crucial can perhaps motivate you to take things seriously.
About the Practice
MOD Squad Dental is proud to serve the needs of patients and families in the San Diego area under the leadership of Dr. Greg Friedman and his team! Dr. Friedman received his dental doctorate from the Washington University School of Dental Medicine and is involved in the accreditation program with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the leading cosmetic dental association in the world! Dr. Friedman’s practice offers a wide range of services including orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out through the practice’s website or by phone: (858) 682-2394.
