Your orthodontist in Springfield, MO will help you continue your orthodontic care after braces by giving you a retainer. Your retainer is very important and even though it can be annoying to wear sometimes, you need to wear it in order to make the most of your orthodontic treatment. Today in the Parkcrest Dental blog, your orthodontist in Springfield, MO talks about how important it is to wear your retainer.
How Long Should I Wear It?
Forever! Our patients don’t always like to hear it, but your orthodontist in Springfield, MO really recommends wearing your retainer for the rest of your life. Don’t worry, we’re not asking you to wear them every hour of every day. Typically, we have patients wear their retainers for 22 hours a day for the first 3-6 months, only taking them out to eat. After this, we like our patients to wear them every night, for a year. After the first year, you can start wearing them every other night, ideally for the rest of your life.
Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group: Tips For Taking Care Of Retainers
Why Do I Have to Wear Them Throughout Life?
During the initial months, your teeth will need to stabilize after having your braces taken out. Your teeth aren’t quite used to their new position in your mouth, and since bone hasn’t formed around them yet, they’ll try to shift back to their original positions. Retainers make sure this doesn’t happen. This constant attempt to shift is why you have to wear them so frequently for the first 3-6 months. Otherwise, all the pain and money you went through for braces won’t be worthwhile.
But after your teeth have set, you shouldn’t need your retainer anymore, right? Unfortunately, no. As you age, your jaw and teeth will shift due to the natural aging process. By wearing your retainer, you can prevent your teeth from succumbing to this. You can maintain your beautiful, straight smile for the rest of your life thanks to retainers. Now, obviously the aging process is slow, and it may take a while for your teeth to shift significantly, but it will become noticeable over time, and you may have to get orthodontic treatment later in life if you neglect your retainer. For the best results possible, and to make the most of your orthodontic treatments, your orthodontist in Springfield, MO recommends you remember the retainer.
Related Post: Retainer Care Instructions from Dr. Steven Harrison
Contact Parkcrest Dental Group Today
If you’re in need of orthodontic care, choose Parkcrest Dental Group. Your orthodontist in Springfield, MO will customize your treatment to meet your unique orthodontic needs. We also offer general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and much more. For more information on our services and to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
