Why Do I Need a Retainer After Braces?
It’s the big day! Your or your child’s orthodontic braces are finally being removed—certainly a reason to be all smiles. After the big reveal and a round of applause, your orthodontist recommends that you wear a retainer.
*Record scratch*
What? A retainer? So, treatment isn’t over after all?
Yes and no. Treatment with braces is complete, but a retainer is equally important in order to maintain the result. Here’s why:
We’ve Moved Mountains
It’s no easy feat to straighten teeth. That’s why when patients or parents ask, “How long are braces on?” we advise them to “brace” for roughly 24 months on average. With braces, we’ve moved the teeth through bone and adjusted their alignment in the jaw. The same way a cast sets a bone in place, a retainer helps strengthen the teeth in their new position. The difference is that orthodontic treatment is nowhere near as painful as suffering a broken bone. Other than a little bit of discomfort for a few days after application, braces actually aren’t painful at all.
Your Teeth Need Time
The science of straightening teeth is more nuanced than you may ever care to know. Orthodontists spend a decade or more in school and training to earn their certification. Even if your teeth look and feel fantastic after braces, they (and you) still need to adapt. The teeth and bite need more time to be stabilized in their new positions. Think of the braces phase as remodeling a room and the retainer as maintaining the space. The hard work is complete. Now, you’re ensuring form and function so you can enjoy your new and improved smile for years to come.
The First Few Months Are Crucial
Teeth are extremely stubborn. They have a natural tendency to want to migrate back to their old position once braces are removed. It happens slowly over time with aging, but the shift can be especially noticeable in the first year or so after braces are removed, especially for growing patients. This is why it is recommended that all patients wear their retainers every night to hold their teeth nice and straight. You can eventually transition to wearing them 2-3 nights per week after you’ve finished growing, but it is important to wear them as instructed by your orthodontist if you’re seriously committed to having straight teeth for good. But first, focus on being diligent during the transition from braces to retainers to get in the habit of wearing them nightly, and make sure to check in with your orthodontist regularly for retainer checks.
We Want the Results to Last
When it’s all said and done, your orthodontist more than anyone wants you to see the ultimate, long-term result of a bright and confident smile. For all the time and discipline that goes into wearing and caring for braces, a retainer is a small inconvenience in the big picture and payoff. You’re in the home stretch, we promise. Learn how to use your retainer like a pro with minimal impact on your life.
