You surely did work hard to get those teeth straight and a beautiful smile. This means, you want to do everything in your power to keep it that way. Well, if this is the case, then you understand that wearing retainers is crucial. When your braces are finally removed, or your Invisalign treatment gets completed, you are motivated enough to wear the retainers. However, with time this changes.
Eventually, you will feel that wearing retainers is a hassle. Also, there are good chances that you might start finding them a little too uncomfortable. Well, if you have reached this stage, knowing how important retainers are, and what are its benefits, can motivate you again to wear them regularly.
If you are not completely satisfied with your existing smile, consider consulting Hekmat Dental Care, a well-known orthodontist Rancho Bernardo clinic. They have the right expertise and tools to get you that celebrity smile. Besides, every patient is treated not just with routine treatments, but with personalized quality care.
How are retainers beneficial?
1. It helps in keeping your teeth straight
Once your orthodontic treatment is over, your teeth will take some additional time to settle in their new position. Also, along with your teeth, your bones, muscles, and gums will take time to adapt to these changes. Now, you must wear retainers for a while after your treatment. This will ensure that your teeth will not get out of alignment.
2. It prevents the effects of tongue thrust
Many individuals have a habit of thrusting their tongues forward, especially while eating, swallowing, and talking. Repetitive tongue thrust will push your teeth forward, and thereby ruin their alignment. Fortunately, retainers prove to be helpful here as they act as a line of defense.
3. It prevents clenching
You will feel very different after your braces are removed or once you stop wearing Invisalign. To adjust to this new sensation, some people continuously clench their jaws. Clenching will cause headaches and teeth grinding. Retainers will help you deal with this situation, as they will give you a constant reminder not to clench.
4. It helps in filling the gaps
It is quite normal to see some gaps even after completing your orthodontic treatment. Retainers, when used regularly, will gently close these spaces.
5. It promotes better oral health
It is easier to clean and maintain straight teeth. Once your braces are off, retainers will help in keeping your teeth straight, which will be easier to brush and floss.
6. It improves breathing
Retainers can help in improving breathing, especially for kids. Most orthodontist 4S Ranch recommends that kids wear their retainers throughout the night, as it will help them with their snoring or breathing issues at night.
7. It helps in rectifying speech impediments
Orthodontists even recommend wearing retainers for improving speech. The thing is retainers not only adjust teeth placement, but even tongue placement. As a result, kids, as well as adults, can correctly form sounds.
Forming a habit of wearing retainers
It is difficult to remember that you have to carry and wear your retainers everywhere you go. Also, it is more difficult if you are a parent, and you need your child to wear them continuously. To help yourself or your kid to form the habit of using a retainer, follow the simple tips given below:
1. Use a bigger bag or case
It is very easy to forget a small plastic case compared to a visibly big bag or case. So, place your small retainer case into a big bag or case to ensure they are never forgotten or left behind.
2. Write a personalized message
Write a message or a note and place it in your child’s retainer case. This will not only price to be fun, but will motivate your kid to wear his/her retainer.
3. Fix a place for retainers
Keep your retainer case in one specific spot, just like you keep your house keys. This will ensure that you never forget to carry them.
4. Reward your kids regularly
Your kids will surely love to receive a small gift for wearing the retainer throughout the night. Motivate them in this fun way, and they will surely form a habit of wearing them.
Tips to help you get effective results when wearing retainers
- Floss every day. Flossing regularly is crucial, but if you recently had orthodontic treatment, flossing daily will help in avoiding any sort of decay.
- Use a mouthguard while participating in any sports or vigorous activities. A mouth guard will not only protect your teeth but even your retainer.
- Along with your normal toothpaste, use mouthwash. Mouthwash enhances your oral hygiene. It prevents gum diseases, and cavities, and kills harmful bacteria.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and start brushing twice a day, if you are not already doing it.
Lastly, yes it surely gets annoying to wear a retainer throughout the night, or during the busy day hours, but they are very important. If you have invested in braces 4S Ranch dental clinic, retainers will help you maintain that investment. So, ensure to wear them as much as possible on a regular basis.