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Completing your orthodontic treatment is a major milestone, but it’s not the end of your smile’s transformation. To ensure your hard-earned results last a lifetime, wearing retainers is essential. At Bergen Orthodontics, we know how important it is to protect the investment you’ve made in your smile.
Retainers are critical to post-treatment care because they prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. After braces or Invisalign, your teeth need time to settle into their new alignment, and retainers are key to making this happen. Here’s why they’re so important — and how Bergen Orthodontics helps you through every step of the retainer phase.
Why Are Retainers Necessary?
Teeth have a natural tendency to move over time. Left alone, they can shift back toward their original positions, undoing the work that braces or aligners have achieved. This tendency occurs because your teeth are held in place by living tissues, which take time to stabilize after treatment.
Retainers act as a safeguard, holding your teeth in their new positions while your jawbone and surrounding structures adjust. Without them, you could lose the alignment, bite correction, and overall improvements you worked hard to achieve. For teens and adults alike, wearing retainers is an important step in preserving your confidence and long-term oral health.
Types of Retainers
When you begin wearing retainers, you’ll likely be given one of two types — fixed or removable. Both play a crucial role in maintaining your smile, but your orthodontist will recommend the best option based on your specific needs.
- Removable Retainers: These are easy to wear and can be taken out for eating, drinking, and cleaning. Our patients often appreciate their convenience and practicality.
- Fixed Retainers: Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded to the back of your teeth to maintain alignment. These are often recommended for patients at higher risk of relapse or those who prefer not to think about wearing retainers daily.
Tips for Caring for Your Retainers
Taking care of your retainers is as important as wearing them. Neglecting maintenance could lead to damage or bacteria buildup, impacting both your oral health and your retainer’s effectiveness. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
- Clean Your Retainers Regularly: Plaque and bacteria can build up on retainers just like they do on teeth. If you have a removable retainer, rinse it with lukewarm water and use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean it daily. For thorough cleaning, consider soaking it in a retainer cleaner or a mild solution of water and toothpaste. If you have a fixed retainer, flossing around it is essential to prevent buildup.
- Store Them Safely: When you’re not wearing your retainer, store it in its case to prevent damage or loss. At Bergen Orthodontics, we provide our patients with high-quality cases to keep their retainers protected.
- Avoid Heat: Retainers can warp when exposed to high heat. Avoid leaving them in hot cars, near heat sources, or washing them with hot water.
- Check for Wear and Tear: Retainers can wear out over time. If you notice cracks, distortion, or other damage, contact Bergen Orthodontics for a replacement. Regular checkups help ensure your retainer is in good shape and continuing to do its job.
Ongoing Support at Bergen Orthodontics
Families balancing activities, professionals navigating their careers, and teens preparing for the future need reliable care they can depend on. Our team at Bergen Orthodontics strives to make post-treatment care seamless by providing expert guidance, personalized solutions, and flexible scheduling tailored to your needs.
We also emphasize education so that you may fully understand how to care for your retainers and protect your smile. Whether it’s answering questions during a checkup or helping you find the best cleaning solutions, Bergen Orthodontics is by your side every step of the way.
Your Next Step
Completing your orthodontic treatment is a moment to celebrate, but keeping your results means committing to wearing and caring for your retainers. They’re the final piece of the puzzle, ensuring your smile stays as brilliant as the day your braces or aligners come off.
Schedule your free consult today, and let us show you how we make maintaining your smile easy and stress-free. Bergen Orthodontics is committed to your confidence, comfort, and long-term smile success.
