If you have recently gotten your braces off and are just getting into wearing your retainer, you might wonder if you can get away with not wearing your retainer daily. Maybe you have already started putting it to the side, intentionally not wearing it. In this blog, Dr. Harrison’s team explains why you need to continue wearing your retainer.
Why Wear Your Retainer?
You had to wear your braces for an extended period of time. To ensure that the results that you saw the day your braces were removed remain intact, you should wear your retainer. Your retainer will help to combat tooth shifting. Tooth shifting is where your teeth attempt to naturally move back into the positions they were in prior to treatment. This normally occurs over time. Remember, you don’t have to wear your retainer 24 hours a day, seven days a week! If your retainer begins to fit differently, you should consult a dentist.
Is It Ok To Skip A Day?
Maybe you are staying at a friend’s house, or are going on vacation and you forgot your retainer. Don’t panic! It is okay not to wear it for a day, but do not make it a habit. Before you go somewhere overnight, make a list and make sure that “retainer” is on there, right alongside “toothbrush and toothpaste.” Try not to make forgetting it a consistent habit.
Contact Dr. Harrison today
If you have any questions about retainer usage, or if you would like to reverse some of the damage done by not wearing a retainer over the years, contact Dr. Harrison and his team today! It is never too late to invest in your dental health and appearance!
