Dr. Farinas-Han Explains What Happens If You Don’t Wear Your Retainer

It’s an exciting day when your Invisalign or traditional braces come off, but it doesn’t mean your orthodontic treatments are at an end. After your braces are removed you enter a phase called the retention phase. In this stage, you will have to wear a retainer to ensure your smile stays as perfect as it was the day you finally got your braces removed. 

You may be asking yourself what would actually happen if I don’t wear my retainer? If you don’t, all that hard work you put in while you had your braces will go to waste. This is especially true during the first few months of the retention phase. Wearing your retainer ensures that your teeth will be held in place while the tissue of your mouth settles into their new locations. If you don’t wear a retainer your teeth will begin to shift back to their old placements from before you had braces. 

How long or often will you have to wear your retainer? 

During the initial months following your braces removal, your dentist will most likely suggest that you wear your retainer 24/7, only removing it eat. After this initial time span, some dentists may recommend only wearing your retainer at night while other patients need to wear theirs around the clock for a bit longer. It is really all based on an individual basis. 

 The biggest challenge with teeth alignment and relapses, is due to teeth being dynamic, which we don't always assume. Over time teeth may become crowded, flared, or they may cave into the arch. These dynamic shifts may cause a traumatic bite, fractures, nerve damage, lesions around the gum line, periodontal disease, bone loss, and even tooth loss due to complications.  We've had many patients tell us that after years of having braces in their youth, the result was beautiful perfectly straight and aligned teeth. But now in adulthood their teeth have shifted, become crowded, and it looks as if they never had braces. Patients must also remember to have their retainer checked periodically by their orthodontist or their general dentist.  We always check for fit and integrity. Personally, I usually ask patients to bring their retainer or night guard to their 6 month check up so I can check the fit as well as the condition. 

If you forget to wear your retainer for an extended period of time, it is possible that your retainer will no longer fit properly. In this case, contact Smiles by Bergen Dental and make an appointment with Dr. Farinas-Han to get refitted or to receive your initial fitting for a retainer. Wearing your retainer as instructed by your dentist is key to maintaining the beautiful smile you worked so hard to get. 

Are all retainers the same? 

There are different types of retainers to choose from. However, Vivera retainers have gained popularity lately because these retainers are comfortable. as well as offer retention, and tooth protection. These are clear retainers worn on the upper and lower arch to cover the tooth structure. 

If you’re considering getting Invisalign, contact Smiles by Bergen Dental, and make an appointment with Dr. Farinas-Han. Smiles by Bergen Dental offers a variety of cosmetic dental procedures, and Dr. Farinas-Han can help distinguish which is the best option for you. 

Want a more beautiful smile?  Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Farinas-Han at Smiles by Bergen Dental! Smiles by Bergen Dental is conveniently located in Midland Park New Jersey, within minutes from Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, Paramus, Ramsey, Allendale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, and Franklin Lakes.