Orthodontic Fact #1 Almost 25% of patients that wore braces had to get them again after treatment because they failed to wear retainers as they were advised

This is an interesting fact that many people are unaware of, especially teenagers. However, if your child wants the treatment to be a success, she will need to wear the retainer as instructed. Remind your child that wearing the retainer correctly the first time could help reduce the risk of needing braces again. This could be just the motivation that your child needs.

The Importance of Wearing Retainers

In order to preserve the cosmetic benefits that accompany Invisalign, your child will need to wear his retainer, or he runs the risk of needing to get them again. When he fails to follow your orthodontist’s instructions, the restraining influence that a retainer provides will not be successful. Instead of his teeth staying straight due to the metal or plastic retainer, your child’s teeth will have a higher risk of becoming crooked or misaligned.

Understanding a Retainers’ Purpose

Retainers are necessary to ensure that your child’s mouth and teeth remain properly aligned. Without a retainer, the Invisalign treatment could be a complete waste. Keep in mind that when these orthodontic devices are removed, pressure exerted by adults and teenagers could cause the beautifully straightened teeth to return to their crooked ways.

The amount of time that a person is required to wear the retainer will vary from patient-to-patient. Your orthodontist will recommend a specific time frame that the retainer should be worn, which includes how long the device should be worn during the night. When worn correctly, the retainer will prevent the natural shifting that typically occurs once the orthodontic devices have been removed.

Caring for the Retainer

Wearing the retainer is only half of the job; your child will need to care for the retainer as well, which could be difficult for him to do. When the retainer is damaged, you will need to replace it, and you could have to pay for braces all over again. Here are some easy steps that your teenager will need to follow to prevent his retainer from becoming lost or damaged:

• Soak in mouthwash or a denture killing agent to kill the germs
• Do not place the retainer in hot water or near warm service
• Do not bend the wires
• Do not place in napkins or other products that you tend to throw away
• Keep the retainer in the same place at home for safety

Contact an Orthodontist Today

For moderate to severe malocclusions, you will need wire or ceramic braces that are attached to your teeth and remain in place for an average of two to four years. The brackets and wires of traditional braces are designed to apply pressure against the teeth to shift teeth into the correct positions. If you require traditional braces, then you will visit an orthodontist on a regular basis to have the wires adjusted. You might need to schedule an emergency visit with an orthodontist when a wire or bracket breaks. Teenagers and adults with mild malocclusions are candidates for clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth and are easy to remove. To learn more about orthodontic braces, schedule an appointment today.

Orthodontic Fact #1 Almost 25% of patients that wore braces had to get them again after treatment because they failed to wear retainers as they were advised

McDermott Orthodontist
708 Elm Ave. E.
Delano, MN
55328
TEL: 763-972-4444