Benefits of Wearing Retainers

After wearing braces, is it normal for your teeth to continue shifting? It is true that they will continue to move throughout your life. In that case, retainers can help you out. A dental retainer keeps your teeth from shifting back into their original positions.

Retainers can also help keep your teeth from developing new problems such as crowding. Be sure to wear your retainer as instructed by our dentists.

Benefits of Wearing Retainers

Helping control tooth movement

Retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth and mouth. They'll fit comfortably and won't interfere with your speech or chewing. You'll wear them as directed to help keep your teeth in their new positions.

If you don't wear your retainers as directed, your teeth may shift back to their original positions. Wearing your retainers as directed will help ensure you're able to maintain your new smile.

A more comfortable fit

Removable retainers can be adjusted to fit more comfortably in your mouth. Over time, your teeth may shift out of alignment, which can affect how well your retainer fits. Your teeth can also shift if you experience a jaw injury, so if your retainer doesn't fit properly anymore, it is best to talk to your dentist about the best options for replacing your retainer.

Preventing new cavities

While wearing a retainer, patients should keep their teeth clean and free from food particles. Retainers are made of plastic, so certain foods and drinks should be avoided while wearing them. Patients should brush their teeth before placing their retainers back in.

This prevents plaque from building up on the teeth. After removing the retainer, patients should examine the teeth for signs of tooth decay or cavities. If a new cavity is discovered, patients should schedule an appointment with their dentist as soon as possible.

Protecting orthodontic work

Wearing your retainer as directed is the best way to protect orthodontic work. It's the only way to ensure your teeth stay in their new positions.

Without retainers, your teeth could shift out of alignment, and you could land right back where you started. Retainers prevent this by retaining the straightness of your teeth.

Protecting against tooth wear and TMJ problems

Wearing a retainer after orthodontic work helps to prevent tooth surface wear. This also helps to prevent joint disorders in the jaw.

Retainers also help to protect teeth from shifting. If teeth shift, it can affect your bite and how teeth come together. This can cause issues with chewing and jaw pain.

Preventing future dental work

After orthodontic treatment, teeth will shift back to their original positions. In order to keep them in place, patients need to wear their retainers. This will ensure that the teeth do not move again.

Patients often ask how they can keep their teeth straight after orthodontic treatment is over. In order to prevent future dental work, patients must wear their retainers so they can keep their new smiles.

If you are interested in learning more about our treatments, visit our Bradshaw + Katras Orthodontic Specialists offices in Tennessee.