For many patients, they have been waiting patiently to get their braces off. At Tilghman Orthodontics, we know how exciting it is to finally have straight teeth. However, treatment doesn’t stop once your braces are off. This is when the retention phase of the treatment comes in, which includes wearing retainers. But why do you have to wear retainers after braces? At Tilghman, our doctors and staff are here to educate and guide patients on what to do before, during, and after orthodontic treatment. Here is what you need to know about retainers, and why you need to wear them after braces.
5 Reasons Why You Must Wear Retainers
To Keep Teeth Straight- After the braces are removed, the bone and soft tissues will need time to adapt to the changes made in the tooth positioning. The retainers help stabilize the teeth in their new arrangement. Retainers ensure that your teeth won’t shift and become crooked again.
Avoid Treatment Reversal- If you don’t wear braces, your teeth will shift again, making them crooked like they were before. Not to mention the fact that you just invested in a good chunk of money to get braces in the first place. By wearing a retainer, you won’t have to go back and spend more money on orthodontic treatment.
Keeps Bite Stabilized- Braces not only help straighten your teeth, but they also help fix your bite. If you don’t wear your retainer, your bite will go back into its original position (this can include going back to an overbite, underbite, crossbite, etc).
Give Space for Wisdom Teeth- If you’re a teen or young adult that has braces, it could be easier for your wisdom teeth to grow in (and make it less painful). By using the retainers as instructed, you can maintain the space required in your jaw to accommodate the wisdom teeth. By regularly wearing retainers, you can ensure that your teeth will not shift due to a lack of space.
Keep Teeth Healthy & Clean- Having crooked teeth can make it harder to brush and floss. If you can’t reach certain areas of your teeth and gums from brushing and flossing, you’ll be more prone to cavities, tooth decay, and enamel loss, which can cause serious health effects. Because retainers keep your teeth and bite straight, you’ll have a better chance of preventing health complications in the future.
Get Orthodontic Care at Tilghman Orthodontics!
If you’re thinking about getting orthodontic care, contact Tilghman Orthodontics today! Our Salisbury and Berlin offices offer comprehensive and customizable services for everyone of all ages! Get started by calling or emailing us for an appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our staff. We can’t wait to work with you towards a healthier smile!