At the completion of your orthodontic treatment, you may be
so relieved to have the braces off, you may not be inclined to wear your
retainers. If you are an adult who has worn a retainer since childhood, you may
assume that the appliance is no longer necessary. Sometimes, due to unfortunate
circumstances, your retainer may become lost or damaged, and you may not
recognize the importance of replacing it.
There are thousands of reasons that patients may lose sight
of the need to wear their retainers. As your orthodontist will tell you,
retainers are indeed essential to the long-term success of your orthodontic
treatment.
To appreciate the reason for ongoing retention, it may help
to understand a little bit about dental anatomy. Although the teeth are
anchored to the jaw bone, they are not fused directly to the bone. Instead, the
roots of the teeth are held in place by microscopic ligaments or fibers that
serve as tiny shock absorbers. These fibers allow the teeth to respond to
biting and chewing forces without breaking.
This relationship between the teeth and the bone makes it
possible for your orthodontist to reposition the teeth by applying gentle,
steady force. Once the teeth have been properly positioned, they must continue
to be subjected to gentle pressure (with a retainer), or there will be the
tendency for them to drift out of position.
Without a retainer, the teeth will be left at the mercy of
other forces that can push them into an undesirable position. The muscles of
the lips, cheeks, and tongue generate constant pressure on the teeth which can
be counteracted with retainers.
As the name implies, the retainer works to “retain” or
preserve the position of the teeth. Failure to wear the appliance regularly for
an indefinite period of time following the completion of active orthodontic
treatment will hinder the process.
Many patients have reported that,
after a long period without the retainer, the appliance no longer fits due to
the movement of the teeth. For other patients, the retainer fits into place,
but feels tight and leads to discomfort. To avoid these complications, it is
recommended that the retainers be worn as directed.
If you are currently wearing a retainer, it is important to
continue your good habit! If you have questions about your existing retainer or
are in need of a new one in Long Island or the surrounding areas, call the orthodontic
practice of Dr. Seth Newman at 516-626-2060 today for an appointment.
