It is very common to have to wear a retainer after your braces come off. After your braces come off, your gums and the tissues that hold your teeth in place are still weakened due to your teeth shifting and moving. A retainer, a piece of orthodontics equipment, helps to ensure your teeth stay in place and do not shift back after you take the braces off until your gums and tissues strengthen again. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results out of your retainer.

1. Wear Your Retainer As Instructed

One of the most important things that you can do to help you get the best results out of a retainer is to wear your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist. An orthodontics professional will tell you how many hours a day you need to spend wearing the retainer. It may be all day or it may be overnight. One of the most common mistakes people make is not listening to these instructions and only wearing the retainer for a few hours. This can cause your teeth to shift back into place post-braces.

2. Talk to Your Orthodontist If Your Retainer Is Loose, Cracked, or Damaged

Another important tip for getting the best results from your retainer is to talk to your orthodontist immediately if your retainer is loose, cracked, or otherwise damaged. Your retainer should be secure and snug against your teeth. If it is not, it may not be helping to hold your teeth in place.

3. Properly Care For Your Retainer

Lastly, you should always learn how to properly care for your retainer and then ensure you are properly caring for it. Improperly cleaning it or boiling it can cause it to break down sooner. It can also affect the strength and the fit of the retainers, which in turn, can affect their ability to hold your teeth firmly in place.

After your braces have come off, there is a good chance that you will have to wear a retainer for a period of time. It is important to wear the retainer as instructed, to talk to your orthodontics professional if the retainer is damaged, and to properly care for your retainer. If you are looking to straighten your teeth, our team would love to help you. Call our office and schedule an appointment for a consultation with our orthodontist.