Well, you’ve finally finished your orthodontic treatment. Congratulations on sticking it out! You’ve got an incredible new smile that you can show off with confidence.
The next step is to maintain that smile and preserve all the time and effort you put into it. This includes keeping up a steady routine of excellent oral hygiene. It probably also means wearing some type of a retainer – but long do you have to have a it for?
Why Wear A Retainer
Especially for the first month after orthodontic treatment your teeth are prone to relapsing. This is because the bone around your teeth still has to stabilize as it adjusts to the shape of your new bite. All of that time and hard work can be lost if your teeth aren’t kept in proper alignment! Even years after you have braces your teeth will still be inclined to shift out of position.
Every Situation is Unique
Your orthodontist will work with you to decide which kind of retainer is best for your bite. No two patients’ needs are alike! You may only be advised to wear a removable retainer at night. Some only need to wear a retainer for about the same amount of time that they wore braces. Others need to wear their retainer for life or risk losing their even smile.
Your safest bet is to wear your retainer for as long as you want to keep your straightened smile!
Protect the investment of time and expense you put into having a straight, healthy, beautiful smile. A retainer could be your key to doing so! Visit East Cobb Orthodontics to get the personalized recommendations you need for keeping your smile stellar for life.