3 Important Reasons to Wear Your Retainer

Whether you had traditional braces or Invisalign, few days are as joyous as when you complete your treatment! However, before you leave to celebrate, your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer. After all, the last thing you want is to lose all of your hard-earned results! To keep you motivated to wear yours throughout the years, keep reading for three reasons why they are so important.

#1. Prevent Orthodontic Relapse

Although your braces may be off, your teeth still need some time to “set” in place. As a result, you’ll be asked to wear your retainers as much as possible (preferably 20 to 22 hours a day) for the first six months or so. From there, you can begin wearing them 3-4 days a week before transitioning to wearing them solely at night. Neglecting to do so will cause your teeth to revert back to their previous position over time.

#2. Protect Your Investment

Orthodontic treatment of any kind is an investment. Whether you spent $3,000 or $10,000, the last thing you want is for all that money to go down the drain, especially if you have to make another investment to correct orthodontic relapse. Fortunately, your retainers secure your teeth in place, effectively preventing that from happening.

#3. Enjoy Straight Teeth for Life

Crooked, spaced-out, and otherwise misaligned teeth aren’t just a cosmetic concern, they can take a negative toll on your oral health too. With so many crevices for food particles and other debris to hide in, you’re significantly more likely to experience dental problems like cavities and gum disease. The good news is that your retainer will keep your teeth in their properly aligned position, providing you with a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.

After months or years of undergoing orthodontic treatment, you deserve to enjoy your new and improved smile. To ensure you do for a lifetime, follow all of your orthodontist’s instructions pertaining to your retainer!

About the Practice

Led by Dr. Timothy Wigal, our team at Wigal Orthodontists is focused on quality, personalization, and affordability. These pillars combined with cutting-edge orthodontics ensures patients of all ages can get the straight, healthy, beautiful smiles they deserve. Plus, we offer everything from traditional braces to Invisalign, allowing us to effectively address everything from minor misalignment to severely rotated teeth. If you’d like to learn more about life after braces or are interested in pursuing orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via website or by phone at 740-281-0445.