Avoiding Orthodontic Relapse

Just because you have worn braces and have straightened your teeth, it doesn't mean they will stay straight forever. It is important to care for your newly aligned teeth in order to make sure your results are long lasting. There are two main things you must do in order to make sure the months (or years) of wearing braces were worth it.

First, when you get your braces off, you will have to wear your retainers for a majority of the day. For the first year, you will only remove your retainers when eating or brushing your teeth. Always make sure to brush your braces gently with warm water and toothpaste every day to keep them clean.

After a year has passed, the second thing you must do is make sure you wear your retainers to bed every night. You will enjoy not having to wear them during the day, but don't assume that skipping out on your retainers a few nights will be okay. If this happens, you will notice that after the first night of wearing them again you will feel sore. Your teeth will still be somewhat loose, so always wear your retainers!

If you ever break or lose your retainers, call use immediately to have a replacement made. Learn more about  orthodontic relapse and give us a call at (702) 838-0707.