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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, Windy City Orthodontics will tell you how to get your smile back after not wearing your retainer.
Touching Up Your Smile
Orthodontic touch-up treatment occurs when Dr. Pakravan makes slight modifications to your smile alignment once your primary treatment phase (such as braces or clear aligners) has been completed. Windy City Orthodontics uses this type of treatment to address any minor issues that might have arisen or any shifting that has occurred.
When retainers are not used consistently, some realignment may be necessary. Depending on the duration of the patient’s failure to wear their retainer, this can be minor or more extensive.
Treatments and Processes
So, how do we make these adjustments? Some involve reverting to the original treatment process you had before using your retainer.
1. Common Touch-Up Treatments:
- Clear Aligners: This is a common option for touch-ups. We use our Spark clear aligners to make gradual adjustments. These are especially useful for our most minor shifts or alignment tweaks.
- Traditional Braces: In some cases, certain adjustments might require the use of traditional braces for a short period.
- Retainers: Sometimes adjustments to the existing retainer or a new retainer design can help to reposition the shifted teeth.
2. Process:
- Consultation: The touch-up process begins with a consultation, during which Dr. Pakravan evaluates your current dental alignment and discusses any concerns you might have.
- Assessment: Digital scans, photos, and X-rays may all be used to assess the extent of the needed changes.
- Treatment Plan: Based on our assessment, our team will create a customized plan that details the type of touch-up treatment required to get your smile back into shape.
- Implementation: Your touch-up treatment is carried out according to the plan we build. This may involve using aligners, braces, or other orthodontic tools. You’ll also attend follow-up appointments when treatment concludes.
Preventing Touch-Ups
The best course of action is to avoid the need for these follow-up adjustments in the first place. If you’re in the initial stage of finishing your treatment, here are some wise words and explanations about wearing your retainer consistently and correctly:
- Stabilization: After orthodontic treatment, your teeth need time to stabilize in their new positions. Your retainer helps ensure that your teeth don’t shift back to their original positions over time. Teeth have a natural tendency to move, which is why retainers are such a crucial step after active treatment is done.
- Consistency: Wearing your retainer as Dr. Pakravan instructs will preserve the alignment you achieved through braces or clear aligners. Just like those prior treatments, you must be diligent and consistent with your retainer use.
- Time and Money: Wearing your retainer ensures that you don’t have to go through another round of braces or aligners, saving you future time and effort. Save yourself the trouble if you can!
- Routine: Regular use of a retainer helps build a routine that supports long-term oral health. Adhering to your retainer schedule reflects your commitment to maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment.
Tips for Kids
For our younger patients at Windy City Orthodontics, retainers can be a particularly difficult issue. These are a few additional tips to help kids wear their retainer:
- Visual Chart: Consider creating a chart or using a calendar where your child can mark off each day they wear their retainer. This visual representation helps them observe their progress and stay motivated.
- Model Behavior: If you or other family members happen to wear retainers or have orthodontic appliances, show them that you follow your own dental care routines properly. Children are usually more likely to follow suit if they see adults practicing good habits, too.
- Cleaning/Storage: Teach your child how to correctly clean their retainer daily using a separate toothbrush and mild soap. This helps them take ownership of their retainer care. You can also show them how to properly store their retainer in its case when they aren’t wearing it, preventing loss or damage.
- Regular Check-Ins: Be sure to check in regularly to make sure that your child is wearing their retainer as directed. You can address any issues or discomfort they might be experiencing by reaching out to our office.
- Set Reminders: Use phone alarms or reminders to help your child remember to put in and take out their retainer at the right times.
Strong and Steady
Some patients forget that treatment doesn’t end when the braces come off, or the clear aligner trays are complete! Orthodontic treatment takes responsibility for maintenance over time, but the results are well worth it. Our team is here to help make sure you stay on track! Please reach out to our Lakeview or Lincoln Park offices to make your first or next appointment with us.