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Did you know that some 25% of patients who get braces don’t wear their retainers? That’s a startling number taking into account that improvements in dental technology have made them simpler to wear. Because these patients weren’t dilligent about wearing their orthodontic retainers , they had to get braces again- a costly blunder and totally avoidable. All because they refused to use retainer with their teeth.
Who and Why?
It is puzzling why so many patients don’t protect this dental investment by following the orthodonists instructions faithfully- especially when it comes to wearing orthodontic retainers . Unfortunately, too many patients don’t follow the orthodontist’s prescribed regimen and wear their retainers. Also, studies indicate that factors such as age and gender, and the type of orthodontic retainer had no effect on the person’s retainer-wearing habits. In other words, don’t think for a moment that kids are the only culprits,
The Job of Orthodontic Retainers
No matter what straightening method is used, keeping teeth aligned doesn’t end when you stop seeing the orthodontist. Although retainers for teeth are most commonly used to hold straight teeth in place after braces, the advantages of wearing orthodontic retainers properly and for the right duration are many besides the obvious one of creating a beautiful smile. It may seem apparent, but a retainer’s role is not that different from braces. Like braces, orthodontic retainers are personalized and customized so that they fit your mouth and encourage your teeth to move or stay in place as you want them to. The orthodontic retainer, you might say, completes the job of the braces. It is because, although once you’ve moved the teeth in the direction you’d like them to go, it doesn’t mean they’re going to stay there just yet.
Why Wear Orthodontic Retainers?
Wearing retainers is an important part of your overall orthodontic treatment plan because tooth movement is part of our overall aging process. Not only that, but after the braces have been removed, teeth can shift back to their original position. Hence, using a retainer with teeth is a vital component of the orthodontic program. Also, the duration that you must wear your orthodontic retainer is as important as how you where the retainers and at what intervals. Proper wearing of orthodontic retainers will lead to straighter teeth which are easier to clean, cut down on plaque build-up, and reduce the chance of cavities. Straighter teeth mean chewing better and that will result in getting more nutrients form the food you eat. But there are lesser-known advantages to wearing orthodontic retainers. For some kids, retainers can help their breathing. – especially at night. And did you know wearing an orthodontic retainer can also help iron out speech problems?
The Payoff For Diligence
Your dentist or orthodontist has determined that you need to wear an orthodontic retainer in order to get that perfect smile. Be consistent and wear it as directed and you’ll get there. Sometimes patients ask about how long they’ll have to wear retainers. You might be surprised to learn that some orthodontists may respond to that by saying, “How long do want to have straight teeth?” Thus, they might even recommend intermittent wearing of the orthodontic retainer for your lifetime. But don’t get dejected by this thought. Keep your eyes on the prize- a smile that lights up a room. Remember, Once you’re on the path to straight teeth, you can maintain them in just a few hours every night. So, it makes sense that you don’t slip into that 25% category of indifferent retainer users, doesn’t it?
