Most patients cant wait to get their braces off after receiving Orthodontic treatment for what can seem like an eternity. However, patients need to be aware of the final part of their treatment which means wearing a removable retainer. As tempting as it may be to skip wearing it for a day or two, this can undo all the good work and can even mean starting your orthodontic treatment plan from the beginning. Here are some reasons why you should wear your retainer when your braces are removed:

Retainers help your teeth stay in new positions

Your teeth are difficult to move and it takes time for the bones and ligaments around the teeth to reform in their new position. While this is happening, retainers hold them in so they stay in their new positions.

If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth could move back to their original positions

Your teeth don’t have a memory however, they can remember where they used to go and will try and move back to their original positions if you don’t wear your retainer as instructed by your dentist. One of the advantages of wearing a retainer is to keep your smile looking great, so if you don’t want your teeth to move back and risk losing the time and money invested into getting braces, you must wear your retainer for the specified time.

There are different types of retainers available

There are now different types of removable retainers available and whats even better is that you may have a choice of different colours or patterns so you can even customise yours to suit your personality. Another alternative that may be appropriate is a clear retainer that fits over your teeth, making it nearly invisible. In some cases, you can have a thin wire bonded to the inside of the teeth instead of a removable retainer. This doesn’t show, and you don’t have to worry about taking it out.

Time spent wearing your retainer will become less frequent

When your braces are removed you will need to wear your retainer all the time, but after a few months the time spent wearing it will become less frequent and you may only have to wear it at night. The retention stage will help your teeth avoid damage by allowing the process to end slowly and gently.

You’re not alone

Many celebrities have to wear, or have worn retainers at some stages during their careers. Even Prince William has worn a retainer, so your’e in great company. If you would like more information about orthodontic retainers, please call one of the team at Bamboo Dental on 029 2056 9769.