You’ve finally made it. Finally, after so many months, or perhaps years, the braces are removed, and your smile has never looked better. Believe it or not, it could seem that the hardest part is finally behind you, but the final step of wearing the retainer is just as important as everything else you’ve done.
This stage is largely overlooked by some, and people end up making errors that can undo the efforts that have been put in. This guide from Dr. Angela and the team at Palm Beach Orthodontics will highlight mistakes that need to be avoided during the retainer stage so that your smile will always look flawless for the rest of your life.
The Significance of the Retainer Phase
How important is it to wear a retainer? Your teeth, although straightened, are not secure in their new positions. The ligaments and bones that hold them in position still need to harden around them.
If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth will try to shift back to their original position, a process called relapse. The retainer prevents your teeth from shifting, while also giving your jaw time to adjust. The only way to keep your teeth from becoming crooked again after having braces is to wear the retainer.
5 Common Retainer Mistakes
1. Not Wearing It as Instructed
The first thing that people normally get wrong is that they forget to wear their retainers as advised by their orthodontist. To start, one has to wear it for the whole day, only removing it when eating or brushing your teeth. One can forget to wear it after brushing, then decide not to wear it when attending a social event. And it suddenly snowballs. Missing a few hours can allow your teeth to move, then after a while, the retainer won’t fit anymore.
2. Poor Cleaning
Your retainer is in your mouth for an extended period, so it tends to collect bacteria, plaque, and tartar, similar to your teeth. This can pose several problems, such as odor, a stained retainer, and health-related complications from poor oral hygiene. It is essential to note that rinsing and cleaning your retainer daily is advisable.
3. Exposing it to Heat
Retainers will usually be made from a type of plastic that could melt or become warped when it comes into contact with heat. If your retainer is left in a hot car, soaked in boiling water, or placed in the dishwasher, it could cause it to become warped beyond use. If the retainer has become warped, it will no longer fit inside your mouth to keep your teeth in the correct position.
4. Not Storing It Properly
If your retainer is not in your mouth, it has to be in its case. Some people tend to misplace their retainers by putting them in a napkin when eating, then placing them in the trash by accident. Pets also can’t resist chewing on them when they see them around. The only way to prevent it from either being lost or broken is by placing it inside its case.
5. Missed Appointments
Your orthodontic treatment does not end once the braces are removed from your teeth. The follow-up sessions are important for observing your teeth under the scrutiny of Dr. Angela and the team, ensuring that your retainer also fits well. If any follow-up appointments are missed, then we won’t get a chance to observe any irregularities, like the slight movement of your teeth or misfit in your retainer, while it is still easy to correct them.
The Smile Preservation Plan
The use of a retainer will last for many years, although it is a small price to pay for having a beautiful smile for the rest of your life. The way for your investment to become all for nothing is by not committing the mistakes above. Should ever an instance arise wherein you are doubtful or having issues pertaining to using your retainer, just contact our friendly team!