orthodontics chesapeake

Why You Should Wear Your Retainer After Invisalign

April 22, 2022

At Eastern Virginia Orthodontics, we want all of our patients to have straight teeth for life. For our patients to keep their teeth straight after orthodontic care, they’ll need to wear a retainer. Retainers are aligners that are used to hold teeth in their position after surgery or any method of realigning teeth. If you’re someone that is about to start treatment (or is in the middle of their treatment), learn the importance of retainers.

 

Why Wear Retainers

  1. They Keep Teeth Straight- Once braces are removed, the bone and soft tissues of the teeth and gums need to adapt to the new positioning of the teeth. The retainers are then used to keep the teeth in place, which ensures that your teeth won’t shift.
  2. It Helps Avoid Treatment Reversal- If you don’t wear retainers, your teeth will shift again (which will make them crooked again). By wearing a retainer, you won’t have to go back and wear braces again.
  3. Helps Keep Bite Aligned- Braces don’t just straighten teeth, they also align your bite. If you don’t wear your retainer, your bite will go back into its original positioning (this can include going back to an overbite, underbite, crossbite, etc).
  4. Helps Give Space for Wisdom Teeth (if necessary)- In some cases, having straight teeth will make it easier for your wisdom teeth to grow in. By using retainers, your mouth will have room to maintain space for the wisdom teeth.
  5. Promotes Healthy Teeth- Having crooked teeth makes it harder to brush and floss. If you can’t reach certain areas of your teeth and gums, you’ll be more prone to cavities, tooth decay, and oral disease. By wearing retainers, you’ll have a better chance of preventing health complications in the future.

 

Get Orthodontic Care Today From Eastern Virginia Orthodontics!

If you’re interested in starting orthodontic treatment, contact Eastern Virginia Orthodontics today! Our doctors and staff offer comprehensive and holistic care for all patients of all ages! If you have any questions, reach out to one of our Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk offices. We’ll be happy to assist you!