Why Are Retainers Important?

One of the main questions we get asked here at Beyond Dental is – why are retainers important? Retainers are a very important tool in order to keep your teeth straight, and are one of the best forms of preventative dentistry. Unfortunately, many people forget to wear their retainer or refuse to do so because of slight discomfort. There are many reasons why retainers are important and why you should always remember to wear them. Here is everything you need to know about why retainers are important!

What are retainers?

A retainer is a custom device that has been molded to fit over your teeth and gums. You will be given a retainer after your braces have been removed, to help keep your teeth in their new, straight position. If you don’t wear your retainers, your teeth could become crooked again, which is why retainers are important. Although fixed retainers exist, these cannot be removed, unlike the more common removable retainers. 

But why are retainers important in child and adult orthodontics? 

What is the purpose of a retainer?

Once your teeth have been made straight by braces, they aren’t completely firm. Chewing and grinding your teeth as you sleep can change your teeth and make them move again, which could result in you needing braces. Wearing a retainer helps keep your teeth in the right place, which is why retainers are important. Braces make your teeth straight, but retainers help keep them straight. The goal of orthodontics is to make sure your teeth last a longer time, showing why retainers are important in dentistry. 

Why are retainers important?

Unfortunately, many people neglect the importance of retainers. Here at Beyond,  we are constantly asked in teen and children orthodontics – why are retainers important? If you don’t wear your retainers when you need to, your teeth could start to shift, causing you a lot of oral and dental issues. You may even need to have braces fitted again, if you neglect wearing your retainer that much. It’s important that you make sure to always remember to wear your retainer, so you can take care of your teeth. If you’re a parent, you should take extra care to explain to your kids why retainers are important, so they don’t need to get braces again. Teenagers are likely to not wear their retainer, so parents should make sure all of their kids are wearing their retainers when needed. 

Do you have to wear a retainer forever?

In order to train your teeth to stay in the same place, you will probably need to wear your retainers full-time for 4-6 months, to prevent any teeth shifting. One of the main reasons why retainers are important is because it helps further set the results of your braces, which is essential when they have just been taken off. However, the retainer should be taken out to eat and brush your teeth, which is imperative for promoting good oral hygiene. However, if you’ve had braces, you will need to wear a retainer at night for the rest of your life. This will keep your teeth straight, which is why retainers are important. 

Is it OK to not wear a retainer for 3 days?

Many people, particularly children and teens who have had braces, forget to wear their retainer for a long time. One of the main questions we get asked is ‘why are retainers important, and is it ok not to wear them for 3 days?’ However, wearing a retainer everyday keeps your teeth straight and set. If you miss a couple of days, your teeth could start to shift, which is why retainers are important. They prevent your teeth from shifting. That being said, if you don’t wear your teeth retainers for 3 days, you should be okay, as long as you start wearing them again straight away. Don’t forget your retainers for extended periods of time, such as weeks. One of the main priorities of our family dentistry here at Beyond Dental is to ensure that kids and children know why retainers are important, and how they can remember to wear them everyday. 

Knowing why retainers are important is so useful if you’re getting your braces removed soon, and need to prepare for a life following braces. Adults, children and teens should know exactly why retainers are important and how they keep your teeth straight. 

If you have ever asked yourself the question ‘why are retainers important?’ or any other dental questions, you should book a consultation with us at Beyond Dental. At our practice, we care about our patients and make sure that they are educated about dentistry and oral care, such as knowing why retainers are important. When you join our subscription plan, all treatments are 10% off, and you get free checkups and teeth whitening! If you think you may need orthodontic treatment with retainers, contact us today.