If you’ve had orthodontic treatment, you are likely experienced with wearing a retainer. But what exactly happens if you don’t wear it as you should? Today, Westfall Orthodontics will tell you how to get your smile back after not wearing your retainer.
Touching Up Your Smile
Orthodontic touch-up treatment involves Dr. Westfall making minor adjustments to your smile alignment after completing your initial treatment phase, such as braces or clear aligners. At Westfall Orthodontics, we use this approach to address any minor issues that have developed or to correct any shifting that may have occurred.
If retainers are not consistently worn, some realignment might be needed. Depending on how long the retainer has not been used, the extent of this adjustment can vary, ranging from minor corrections to more significant changes.
Treatments + Processes
How do we handle these adjustments? Some touch-up treatments may involve revisiting elements of your original treatment before retainer use.
1. Common Touch-Up Treatments:
- Clear Aligners: We often use Invisalign for touch-ups to make gradual adjustments. These aligners are particularly effective for minor shifts or alignment corrections.
- Traditional Braces: Occasionally, short-term use of traditional braces may be necessary for certain adjustments.
- Retainers: Adjustments might be made to your existing retainer or a new retainer design might be created to help realign shifted teeth.
2. Process:
- Consultation: The touch-up process starts with a consultation, during which Dr. Westfall evaluates your current dental alignment and discusses any concerns you might have.
- Assessment: Digital scans, photos, and X-rays are taken to determine the extent of the changes needed.
- Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, we develop a customized plan outlining the touch-up treatment required to restore your smile.
- Implementation: The treatment plan is executed using aligners, braces, or other orthodontic tools as needed. After this point, you’ll also visit us regularly for check-ins.
Prevention is Key
The ideal approach is to prevent the need for follow-up adjustments altogether. If you’re nearing the end of your treatment, here are some important insights on the importance of wearing your retainer consistently and properly:
- Stabilization: After your orthodontic treatment, your teeth need time to settle into their new positions. Your retainer helps prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original places, as teeth naturally tend to move over time. This is why retainers are a critical part of the post-treatment process.
- Consistency: Following Dr. Westfall’s instructions on wearing your retainer will help maintain the alignment achieved with braces or clear aligners. Just as with your previous treatments, consistent and diligent use of your retainer is essential.
- Time and Money: Using your retainer as prescribed helps you avoid the need for another round of braces or aligners, saving you time and effort. Preventing the need for additional treatments can also prevent future complications.
- Routine: Regularly wearing your retainer establishes a routine that supports long-term oral health. Sticking to your retainer schedule shows your commitment to preserving the results of your orthodontic treatment.
Retainer Tips for Kids
For our younger patients at Westfall Orthodontics, retainers can be a particularly difficult issue. These are a few additional tips to help kids wear their retainer:
- Visual Chart: Create a chart or use a calendar where your child can mark off each day they wear their retainer. This visual tool helps them track their progress and stay motivated.
- Cleaning/Storage: Teach your child about the proper way to clean their retainer daily with a separate toothbrush and mild soap. Show them how to store it properly in its case when not in use to prevent loss or damage.
- Regular Check-Ins: Frequently check to ensure your child is wearing their retainer as instructed. Reach out to our office if they experience any issues or discomfort.
- Model Behavior: Demonstrate good dental care habits by wearing your own retainer or orthodontic appliances, if applicable. Children are more likely to adopt these practices when they see adults following good routines.
- Set Reminders: Use phone alarms or reminders to help your child remember to put in and take out their retainer at the appropriate times.
A Steady Course
Some patients may forget that orthodontic treatment continues even after braces are removed or clear aligners are finished! Maintaining your results requires ongoing effort, but it’s definitely worth it. Our team is here to help you stay on track! Please reach out to our Abingdon, Richlands, or Bristol offices to make your first or next appointment with us.