Dental misalignments can leave teeth more vulnerable to infection and injury and may also lead to chronic pain. While orthodontic treatments like Nu Smile Aligners and Invisalign can straighten misaligned teeth into healthier and more beautiful positions, the patient’s pearly whites will simply shift back toward their former places if their retainer is not worn consistently. Here’s a guide to how to tell if your appliance needs to be replaced.
Why Are Retainers Necessary?
As much as we’d like to say that the results of orthodontic treatments are absolutely permanent, this is sadly not true. Immediately after the patient’s aligners are removed, the teeth will begin to drift back to their former positions, and the hard-won results of their orthodontic work will disappear if they do not wear their retainer properly. Retainers hold the teeth in position using a specially shaped wire, which helps them maintain their positions while the gum and jawbone tissues resolidify around them.
It’s especially important to wear your retainer in the years immediately following your orthodontic treatment since this is the period in which your teeth will be most likely to drift back out of alignment. However, it’s ideal to wear your retainer for life.
How Can I Tell if I Need to Replace My Retainer?
It may be time to replace your retainer if:
- You notice cracks: Cracks in the plastic components of your retainer can compromise its strength and make holding your teeth in place impossible.
- It seems loose: Years of wearing your retainer will erode some material from it, which can eventually affect its ability to securely hold its place in your mouth. This can make it easier for your teeth to drift back out of alignment.
- It seems warped: It’s important to clean your retainer regularly to prevent infectious and foul-smelling accumulations of food residue and bacteria. However, washing the appliance with hot or cold water can cause it to warp over time, which can ruin its ability to keep your teeth in position.
- Excessive calcium buildup: Calcium will accumulate on your retainer over time, leading to white patches forming on the appliance. If these prove so unsightly that you do not wish to wear your retainer anymore, it’s a great idea to replace the appliance.
The best ways to keep your retainer in great shape are to clean it two to three times a day, soak it in cleansing solution regularly, and store it in a proper case when not wearing it. Adhering to your dentist’s aftercare instructions will allow you to preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment.
About the Practice
Nu Dental offers the finest oral health services in Eatontown. Led by Drs. Admasu Gizachew, Monica Andrews, Michael Habib, and Nelson Wollek, the staff ensures that each patient receives individualized care and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as orthodontic services such as Invisalign and Nu Smile Aligners. If you are concerned about the state of your retainer, contact the practice online or dial (732) 863-3899.