Why Are Retainers Important After Orthodontic Treatment?

Retainers are one of the most important parts of your orthodontic journey. In fact, we often say, “If you’re not committed to wearing retainers, you may want to reconsider starting treatment.” That’s because retainers are essential for maintaining the result you’ve worked hard to achieve — whether you’ve had braces, clear aligners, or any other type of orthodontic care.

Once your teeth have been moved into their ideal positions, they still need time to stabilise. Without retainers, there is a strong chance your teeth will begin to shift back. Retainers help hold your smile in place as your body adapts to the changes.

There are several reasons why retainers are so important:

• We all age, and natural aging changes can affect the position of your teeth.
• Genetics and your original orthodontic issues may impact how likely your teeth are to shift.
• The amount of movement during treatment can also influence the risk of relapse

There are different types of retainers available, and we’ll discuss the best option for your individual needs. What’s most important to understand is this: without retainers, your results will not last long term.

If you have any questions about retainers or how to care for them, our team is always here to help. Please feel free to contact us anytime.