Top 5 Myths About Retainers Debunked
Myers Orthodontics is a Knoxville orthodontist committed to helping our adult and pediatric patients achieve beautiful smiles. Our Fountain City office is at 5315 Fountain Rd., Suite B, Knoxville, TN. You can also visit our Bearden office at 111 S. Weisgarber Road, Knoxville, TN. We offer an innovative treatment approach with Invisalign, metal braces, and lingual braces. Our caring orthodontist and staff are here to make you feel comfortable as we transform your teeth. Fill out our complimentary consultation form to learn more.
Retainers for teeth are essential to orthodontic care, but many patients are still confused about the myths they hear. We are here to debunk the myths and help you understand your treatment options better.
1. Only Kids and Teens Need Retainers
Retainers are for people of all ages. Whether you are a teen who just had your braces removed or an adult maintaining years of orthodontic care, they are essential. If you want your newly aligned teeth to stay in position, wear a retainer as your orthodontist prescribes.
2. Retainers Last Forever
Although retainers are highly durable, they do not last forever. Your retainer needs proper care to prevent damage. Always keep your retainer for teeth in its case. Avoid exposing your retainer to extreme heat or a dog that likes to chew!
3. Retainers Don't Need Maintenance
Although retainers for teeth do not require much maintenance, they do need proper care. You should clean your retainer after removing it. You should also regularly schedule an appointment with our Knoxville orthodontist to check your retainer for wear and tear damage. Retainers may need adjustments occasionally to keep your teeth in line.
4. Skipping a Night Won't Hurt
Contrary to popular belief, you must wear your retainer every night to align your teeth. Skipping too many nights can cause your teeth to shift, undoing the hard work you achieved from orthodontic treatment. Regularly wearing retainers for teeth is a minor inconvenience that pays off tremendously!
5. Retainers Are Only For People Who Have Worn Braces
Retainers are not necessarily reserved for those who have worn braces. People who have undergone clear aligner treatment also wear retainers. Even those with straight teeth who have never undergone orthodontic care may benefit from wearing retainers to keep their teeth from shifting.
Retainers Keep Your Smile Beautiful
Myers Orthodontics wants to help you achieve a confident smile. We provide orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages and believe early intervention is best. Call the office today to schedule your appointment to see how orthodontics can transform your smile!