Whether you straighten your teeth with traditional braces or clear aligners, such as Invisalign, you’ve probably been told the importance of wearing your retainers. However, are they really necessary? That question can be answered best by explaining what happens when you don’t wear a retainer.

What Happens When You Stop Wearing Retainers?

The teeth will shift and move into new positions as you stop wearing your retainers consistently. As a result, previously crowded teeth will become once again crowded and crooked. The gaps between teeth that were previously closed will begin to open again.

As a kid, if you stop wearing your retainers, you’ll also upset your parents. Getting braces is an expensive investment in your smile. When your teeth relapse and become crooked or gapped, the money you spend seems quite futile.

Orthodontic treatment also requires significant time investment from you. For some, it requires years to straighten their teeth using Invisalign or braces. By not wearing retainers, you have wasted time as well.

Why Do You Need Retainers?

As soon as patients get their braces off or finish Invisalign, they need to make plans for wearing retainers. Despite the new position of your teeth, roots have memory, and they will not stay there if you don’t take proactive steps to maintain them.

The movement of your chompers leaves gaps in surrounding tissue and bone. During the healing and reattachment process, your retainers will hold your teeth in place. This is why it’s crucial to wear your retainers continuously for the first three to six months after your procedure.

You’ll need to wear your retainers every night for the rest of your life if you intend to keep your teeth straight. Fortunately, you won’t have to wear them as often after some time.

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!