You’ve finally had your braces removed and you can’t wait to show off your smile. But if you’re done with braces, then why does your orthodontist insist that you wear your retainer regularly? Here are three reasons why your retainer is an important part in maintaining your orthodontic treatment:

Your teeth are still shifting!

Orthodontists have been around long enough that we know that teeth continually shift. There isn’t really a point in a person’s life where they stop. So whether your orthodontist recommends that you wear a retainer at sixteen or sixty, it’s important that you pay attention. Orthodontic treatments are generally long and expensive, we want to make sure that you get the best out of the experience! Your beautiful smile should last a long time after your braces have come off, and wearing your retainer is one of the best things you can do to maintain it.

Your teeth are easier to clean.

Allowing your teeth to shift back to a crooked state will create all sorts of nooks and crannies that are hard to reach with your toothbrush. Those can cause your teeth to weaken and  become breeding places for bacteria. Straighter teeth are much easier to clean. And a good clean will cut down on plaque buildup and reduce the chance of cavities.

You are able to ingest more nutrients.

You heard correctly, wearing your retainer regularly means that you are actually getting more nutrients from your food! How does that work? Simply, straight teeth and a proper bite make it easier to chew more effectively. Better chewing actually helps extract nutrients. On top of this, thorough chewing increases saliva production and that means more digestive enzymes to cut down on plaque buildup and decrease cavities.

Wearing your retainer is an important step in the orthodontic process. It will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Your teeth are constantly shifting, and keeping them straight will do nothing but benefit your confidence and your overall health. Set your smile up for success!