Prevent Teeth Shifting After Braces

Reaching the end of your orthodontic treatment and having your braces removed is one of the greatest feelings. You have withstood the aggravations of flossing and brushing, you can finally eat all the foods you want, and your mouth is free from brackets and wires! Undergoing orthodontic treatment is truly one of the best things you can do for your smile. It corrects misalignment, makes your teeth easier to keep clean, and it gives you a permanently beautiful accessory that you can show off. However, it will be entirely up to you to prevent your teeth from shifting after your braces come off.

Teeth shifting is very typical, but it is also almost 100% preventable. Your teeth have been pushed and manipulated into new positions over a few months. They will naturally want to move back to where they were before your orthodontic treatment. This is why you must wear your retainer after your orthodontic treatment is finished. You do not want to waste all the time, money, and effort you spent achieving your perfect smile!

A retainer is a specially fitted appliance that is a crucial part of your orthodontic treatment. While you may no longer visit the orthodontist regularly, part of your treatment plan is to have a retainer that will prevent your teeth from shifting. Most orthodontists recommend that you wear your retainer every night for the rest of your life. This may seem like a lot to ask, but when you think about it, no one will see your retainer – and if it will keep your smile beautiful, it is worth it!

Neglecting to wear your retainer, especially soon after your braces come off, will encourage your teeth to shift. If your teeth shift too far out of place, your retainer will no longer fit, and you will need to undergo additional orthodontic treatment. Major shifting after orthodontic treatment is a cause for concern, but you must remember your responsibility in keeping your smile straight.

At Broad Street Braces, we are here to help you achieve a perfect smile. Remember, a retainer is a gentle reminder that tells your teeth where they belong and needs to be worn regularly.