The day you get off your braces in Overland Park, KS will be a momentous occasion. Many people look forward to the day they finally get to see the results of their orthodontic treatment and rightly so. It’s nothing short of transformative. But there’s a little bit of a misconception, because actually, the treatment doesn’t end when the braces come off. That much change in the alignment of your teeth doesn’t happen by accident, and the change might not be permanent without the help of retainers. You see, teeth take time to adjust to their new alignment, and retainers keep them in place until everything can be made permanent.

Why Teeth Shift After Treatment

Teeth are held in place by ligaments, which take time to stabilize after orthodontic treatment. Once braces or aligners are removed, these ligaments can slowly pull teeth back toward their previous alignment, especially in the first few months. Retainers help keep teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues adjust, ensuring lasting results.

How Long Should You Wear a Retainer?

Initially, retainers should be worn full-time, but over time, many patients can transition to nighttime wear. However, retainers should never be completely abandoned—teeth can shift at any age. Lifelong retainer use, even if only a few nights a week, helps preserve the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment.

Retainers are the key to keeping your straightened teeth in place for years to come. By following your orthodontist’s recommendations and wearing your retainer consistently, you can ensure that your beautiful smile remains intact and that all the effort put into treatment doesn’t go to waste. Contact your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS today to learn more!