There are many reasons why you should wear your retainer after you remove your braces, the biggest being that not wearing your retainer can lead to adverse tooth movement and alter the work your braces have already done. In this blog, we will go over some of the reasons why wearing your retainer is so important.
They Stabilize Your Bite
After removing your braces, the tissue and bone around your teeth need time to adapt to their new home. Just like a puzzle piece, you can’t force it to fit into place without all of the edges aligning. Retainers allow the teeth to adjust to the changes made in tooth positioning. They allow your teeth to stabilize in their new arrangement. Once that occurs, the bite can be positioned and adjusted comfortably to your new teeth.
They Prevent Your Teeth From Reverting
Your teeth have the natural desire to move back to their old position in the months before the removal of braces. This is a completely normal situation, as your teeth do not adapt well to being relocated. A retainer can prevent the reversal, as long as it is maintained throughout the correct duration. This can be a few months, years, or a lifetime, depending on the severity of the relocation. Just remember that braces are only part of the orthodontic process and that your retainer is also vitally important to keep your smile straight.
They Are Crucial for Wisdom Teeth
Braces are most commonly worn by preteens and teenagers, as this is when their adult teeth begin to settle in. Since their bodies are still developing and changing around their teeth, wisdom teeth are not fully developed yet. Retainers are crucial for allowing your wisdom teeth to grow into their correct spots, without forcing them into your mouth or, better yet, becoming impacted. When someone uses their retainer diligently, the necessary space required to maintain their jaw to accommodate new teeth, such as wisdom teeth, is allowed. Constant use of retainers can ensure that the teeth will not shift or become crowded due to lack of space.
Bubble Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics is dedicated to providing your child with the best oral care and education.
Contact the experts at Bubble Children’s Dentistry today!
To learn more about whether your child is a prime candidate for a retainer or other orthodontic work, contact us today at 617 655 9410. We can help you figure out the best plan going forward for your child and get them set in the right direction orthodontically. Contact us today!