Today, let’s talk about something that many adults and people who’ve had braces or Invisalign wonder about: wearing retainers forever after treatment. It might seem odd to keep wearing something after all the time spent with braces or Invisalign, but trust us—it’s important, and we’ll explain why.
What do retainers do? How long do you need to wear them? And do adults have to wear them too? Let’s dive into the world of retainers and understand why they’re so crucial for keeping our smiles healthy and happy!
What Do Retainers Do After Treatment?
So, you’ve finished with braces or Invisalign—congrats! But your journey isn’t over yet. Retainers are the next step, and they’re really important for keeping your teeth in line.
Retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions after braces or Invisalign straightens them out. Why? Because teeth naturally want to go back to where they were before, which is called “relapse.” Your orthodontist gives you a retainer to wear all the time for a few months after treatment to let your gums adjust to your new smile. And even after that, wearing your retainer at night is still necessary because your teeth will always try to move back.
Retainers help prevent your teeth from moving and keep your smile looking great!
Do Adults Need Retainers After Braces?
Definitely! Whether you got braces when you were younger or as an adult, wearing a retainer after treatment is important for everyone. Sorry, but there’s no age where you can stop wearing a retainer! Teeth can move at any age because of things like getting older, gum problems, grinding, and changes in weight. So, no matter how old you are, wearing a retainer after braces or Invisalign is a must to keep your smile looking its best.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Retainers After Treatment?
This is where the “forever” part comes in. To make sure your teeth stay straight in the long run, we recommend wearing your retainer at night forever. It might sound like a lot, but think of it as a small thing to do each night to keep your beautiful smile. After all, you’ve worked hard to get those straight teeth—let’s make sure they stay that way!
At first, you’ll probably wear your retainer every day for a few months after treatment. Then, you will be able to switch to just wearing it at night.
Embrace Your Retainer Routine for a Lifetime of Smiles
Retainers are necessary for keeping your teeth in place after braces or Invisalign. Whether you’re a grown-up or a teen, wearing your retainer at night is something you’ll need to do forever. But it’s totally worth it to keep your smile looking amazing!
At Inspire Orthodontics, we understand that everyone’s smile is different, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. So, embrace your retainer routine and remember: every night, you’re keeping your beautiful smile shining bright. Cheers to a lifetime of confident smiles!