The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here; your braces are coming off! That’s something to be proud of. After all, you’ve put in a lot of work to get here, and now you’re done, right? Well, mostly, but not quite. There’s one more thing to think about when it comes to keeping your teeth straight: your retainer.
Many people are tempted to ignore their retainer and move on with their life now that they no longer have braces. Unfortunately, that’s a mistake. Here are a few things your retainer can do for you, and why your shouldn’t neglect to use it.
1. Keeping your Teeth Straight
The fact that you needed braces in the first place means that you’re probably predisposed to having your teeth fall out of line. Once your braces come off, your retainer is the only thing that can keep your teeth straight. People who neglect to wear it usually find that their teeth have moved out of position within a few years.
2. A Retainer Can Keep You from Clenching Your Teeth
Once you get your braces off, you might need a little bit of time to get used to the way your mouth feels. One way people tend to do that involves excessively clenching their teeth. This can lead to numerous issues, including headaches and teeth grinding. A retainer provides a familiar feeling that not only keeps your teeth straight, but also reminds you not to clench your teeth.
3. It Can Put the Final Touches on Your Smile
Most orthodontic patients want to get their braces off as soon as possible, and orthodontists understand that. That’s why, in the interest of finishing your treatment quickly, your orthodontist might remove your braces while there are still small gaps in your teeth.
Retainers aren’t very strong, but they are capable enough to make some small adjustments, even after your treatment has been completed. Your retainer can finish the job, so you’ll be able to get the perfect smile you’ve been looking for without having to worry about taking care of a full set of braces.
You’ve put a lot of effort into straightening your smile. By wearing your retainer, you can protect the teeth you’ve gotten as a result of your and your dentist’s hard work.
About Our Practice
At Rauchberg Dental Group, we ensure that patients of all ages can talk to a professional one-on-one regarding their unique situation. That’s why we have six expert dentists on staff, including a pediatric dentist and an orthodontist. We have also outfitted our office with state-of-the-art dental technologies, which we use to offer our patients the latest in oral medicine. If you have any questions about the benefits of wearing your retainer, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (973) 718-9887.