A Perfect Smile Orthodontics

McAllen Orthodontist providing Braces & Invisalign

Call: 956.630.6166
Se Habla Espanol | Open Saturdays!
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
      • Best Orthodontist in the Rio Grande Valley
    • Meet Dr. Taylor
      • Why go to a Board Certified Orthodontist?
      • 8 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Orthodontist
    • Orthodontic Staff
    • Our Facility
    • Orthodontist or Dentist?
    • Signs You May Need to See an Orthodontist
    • Reviews
    • Testimonials
    • 10 Reasons to Choose Us
    • Blog
    • Areas We Serve
      • McAllen Orthodontist
      • Mission Texas Orthodontist
      • Edinburg Texas Orthodontist
      • Weslaco Texas Orthodontist
      • Pharr Texas Orthodontist
  • Orthodontics
    • Ways To Straighten Your Teeth
    • Problems to Watch for in Growing Children
      • Baby Teeth and Orthodontics
      • When should a child first visit?
      • Preparing Your Child for Braces
    • Health Reasons to Get Braces
      • 9 Ways Braces Can Improve Your Long-term Health
      • Use of rubber bands to close gap in teeth
    • Straight Teeth and Confidence: The Transformative Power of a Perfect Smile
    • The Importance of Wearing a Retainer
    • Orthodontic Myths
    • Free Consultation
    • 3D Digital Scanner
  • Braces
    • The Five Stages of Traditional Braces
    • Clear Braces
    • Colored Braces
    • Invisalign
    • Braces for Adults
    • Single Arch Braces Treatment
    • What Braces and Invisalign Treats
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Braces
    • How Much Do Braces Cost?
      • How to Pay for Braces
    • AcceleDent
    • Teeth Grinding and Braces
  • Invisalign
    • Invisalign Teen
    • What Invisalign Treats
    • Invisalign Testimonials
    • Invisalign FAQs
    • Can You Get Invisalign If You Have Missing Teeth?
    • Invisalign Tips
    • Tratamiento Invisalign
    • Online Clear Braces vs an Orthodontist: What’s the Difference?
    • 8 interesting things you should know about Invisalign before you try it
  • Payment Options
  • Free Consultation
  • Location & Hours
    • Open Saturdays!
  • Contact
    • Send an Inquiry
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Orthodontic Emergencies
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Español
    • Ortodoncia
    • Cuánto cuestan los aparatos de ortodoncia?
    • Consulta de Ortodoncia Gratis
    • Tratamiento Invisalign
    • Opciones de Pago

The Importance of Wearing a Retainer

Why is it Important to Wear a Retainer?

We cannot overemphasize the importance of wearing a retainer after orthodontic treatment. Failure to comply will result in teeth shifting back into their original position — and your braces will have been a waste of time and money. 

Wearing braces will gradually shift teeth until they are in the correct alignment. As the teeth move, the periodontal membrane and ligaments shift as well, which slightly loosens the teeth. Once teeth are in their new position, new bone grows in the socket area of the tooth, securing it in place. This process is called bone remodeling.

Teeth have to have time to solidify once they are in their aligned position. And a retainer holds teeth in place while this process happens. Without the use of one, teeth have a tendency to move back in their original position. This is called a relapse.

When patients are not compliant with using their retainer as recommended, relapse can occur quickly and the retainer may no longer fit their teeth. In more severe cases, braces may need to be worn again because they have shifted too far back in to their prior position.

When children have their braces removed, their teeth can continue to shift somewhat as they grow. A retainer will keep the teeth in proper alignment while this happens.

The length of time that a retainer needs to be worn varies from person to person and Dr. Taylor will go over this with each patient.

Types of Retainers

While there are several types of retainers, we use the Essix retainer because it is easier to use and you can’t see it. It looks similar to Invisalign® braces; it’s almost invisible and molded to fit your teeth exactly. The retainer is placed directly over the teeth and is removable. The advantage to the Essix is that it’s more aesthetically pleasing since there is no metal wire involved. It’s not quite as durable as the Hawley and can wear down and stain over time.

Retainer Care Tips

  • Always carry your retainer case with you. It can be easily damaged if you put it in your purse and you don’t want to put it in a napkin while eating because there’s a chance it might accidentally get thrown away.
  • Keep out of reach of pets. Dogs especially are drawn to the smell of a retainer and can easily destroy it.
  • Make sure you remove before eating or drinking anything except for water. Hot drinks can warp the plastic and colored drinks can stain.
  • Toothpaste should not be used for cleaning since it can scratch or dull the plastic.
  • Soak retainers in an effervescent cleaner such as the ones used to clean dentures.
  • When rinsing with water, make sure to avoid using hot water.
  • Keep away from heat to avoid warping.

When to See the Doctor

If your retainer starts to feel loose or feels like it’s not fitting correctly, make an appointment to come in and see Dr. Taylor in McAllen, Texas as soon as you can so that it can be adjusted or replaced if needed. If it gets damaged or you lose it, come in as soon as possible. Your teeth can begin to shift in a matter of days so you don’t want to wait long.

If you notice your teeth shifting for any reason whether it be from a damaged retainer or because you haven’t been compliant, come in sooner rather than later. The earlier the problem is addressed, the less drastic the measures will be to correct it.

Ref: https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/taking-care-of-your-retainer/

For more highly technical information on this subject:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4961661/

For any questions, please feel free to contact us.

a-free-braces-consultation Free Consultation
Get Started!
Se-Hable-Espanol956.630.6166
Hable Español
As Low As $99 A MonthAs Low As $99 A Month
Special Offer

Free WhiteningFree Whitening
With Your Braces or Invisalign!

Get Consultation

Dr T & the whole staff are amazing, warm & caring environment. I get to see my baby smile now. Shes has gained so much confidence since starting treatment. Love you all & thank you so much.-Cassandra W

Our Location

perfect-smile-orthodontics-location

Board Certified Orthodontist

board certified orthodontist

Association Member for

footer-bg

Follow Us On Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Address

A Perfect Smile Orthodontics
1400 E Expy 83 #155
McAllen,
TX 78503
956.630.6166

Click Here to Review Our Practice!

For Free Consultation Call
956.630.6166

Hours of Operation Monday-Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm
Copyright © 2025A Perfect Smile Orthodontics.
1400 E Expy 83 #155, McAllen, TX 78503. Phone: 956.630.6166
·Orthodontist Marketing by Cook Profitability Services · Privacy Policy·