You made it through your Candid Pro treatment, you smiled through the soreness, and you survived the rigorous routine. But now that your teeth are finally straight, your dentist hands you a retainer? You might be thinking, “Do I really have to keep wearing this thing?” And the answer is yes! Here are three major reasons why skipping your retainer could undo all your hard work.
1. Teeth Love to Move
After orthodontic treatment, your teeth will want to move back to their original positions, putting strain on your new smile. The bone and supportive tissues around your newly-straightened teeth need time to stabilize, and without help, your smile will quickly shift back.
Your retainer is like a wall, holding everything in place while your mouth adjusts to its new normal. Even if your teeth look straight now, not wearing your retainer regularly can lead to problems down the line.
2. Your Candid Pro Treatment was an Investment
While affordable, Candid Pro aligners aren’t cheap. Whether you paid out of pocket or worked with insurance, you put a lot of time and money into straightening your smile.
Wearing your retainer protects that investment. It’s the maintenance that keeps the masterpiece from falling apart. Skipping it can eventually mean starting treatment over, and no one likes spending more than they have to.
3. It’s Easier Than You Think
Most retainers are slim, discreet, and easy to clean. Many are even custom-fitted for comfort. Once it becomes part of your routine, wearing it will feel as natural as brushing your teeth.
Plus, you’ll eventually be able to reduce how often you need to wear it. Many patients only wear them at night after the initial adjustment period. After that, your dentist may feel confident enough in your smile to reduce your wear time further.
However, you’ll need to stick with it for the initial healing period first. A few hours of wear each day now can save you a major headache later.
Your retainer is the final—and arguably most important—step of your Candid Pro treatment. While it can feel like pushing a boulder up a hill at first, the results are well worth the effort! You’ve already worked so hard to straighten your smile, so now it’s time to see it through to the end!
About the Author
Dr. Vincent Lam is a talented and bright dentist with a love for helping patients achieve healthier smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from Temple University and has never stopped learning for over a decade since starting his practice. Today, he uses Candid Pro Clear Aligners and other advanced treatments to create gorgeous grins. Call (206) 242-4477 to schedule a Candid Pro consultation at Seahurst Smiles of Burien or visit our website to learn more.