I Forgot To Wear My Retainer And My Teeth Moved
Orthodontic treatment has become more and more popular these days. People take this treatment to improve their oral health and to get a perfect smile. After undergoing orthodontic treatment, patients are usually given retainers to wear regularly. Retainers play a crucial role in keeping the teeth in their new position. However, some patients forget to wear their retainers, and as a result, their teeth start to move back to their original position. In this article, we will discuss what happens when you forget to wear your retainer and the consequences of not wearing it.
What are retainers?
Retainers are orthodontic appliances that are used after the braces are removed. They are designed to keep the teeth in their new position and prevent them from moving back. Retainers can be fixed or removable. Fixed retainers are glued to the back of the teeth, while removable retainers are worn like a mouthguard. The duration of the retainer wear depends on the patient's individual case, but it usually lasts for a year or more.
What happens when you forget to wear your retainer?
If you forget to wear your retainer, your teeth will start to move back to their original position. This movement can be gradual, and you may not notice it at first. However, over time, the movement can become more noticeable, and your teeth may become crooked again. This can be frustrating, especially after you spent time and money on orthodontic treatment to get a beautiful smile.
Consequences of not wearing your retainer
The consequences of not wearing your retainer can be severe. If you don't wear your retainer, your teeth will start to move back to their original position. This can cause a relapse, which means that you may need to undergo orthodontic treatment again. The longer you go without wearing your retainer, the more severe the relapse can be. In some cases, the teeth may become so crooked that they can cause problems with chewing and speech.
How to avoid forgetting to wear your retainer
Forgetting to wear your retainer can be easy, especially if you have a busy schedule. However, there are some tips you can follow to avoid forgetting to wear your retainer:
- Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to remind you to wear your retainer.
- Keep your retainer in a visible place, such as on your bedside table or bathroom sink.
- Carry a retainer case with you so that you can wear your retainer whenever you have free time.
- Make wearing your retainer a part of your daily routine, such as wearing it after brushing your teeth.
Conclusion
Forgetting to wear your retainer can have serious consequences. It can cause your teeth to move back to their original position, which can result in a relapse. To avoid this, it is important to wear your retainer regularly and follow the instructions given by your orthodontist. By doing so, you can maintain your beautiful smile and enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
