The soft tissue between your tooth and the jaw bone is called a periodontal ligament. It’s similar to the type of fibrous tissue that connects the articulating joints in your wrists and elbows. Like a rubber band, the periodontal ligament is somewhat elastic. After you have your braces removed or finish Invisalign treatment, the ligaments can “snap” back into their original position and completely undo all the progress you’ve made. While this alteration is slow, it can dramatically change the shape of your teeth.

Why Do Teeth Shift After Braces?

Teeth shift throughout a person’s life, not just during their childhood. Here are a few factors that can reposition your teeth over time:  

• Wisdom teeth eruption 

• Trauma, like a facial injury 

• Teeth grinding 

• Gum disease and inflammation 

• Gum recession 

• Bone loss 

• Missing teeth  

• Tongue thrusting 

• Aging 

Why Retainers Are Important to Oral Health

Retainers stabilize the teeth so that they stay in position, even if one or more of these factors come into play. Because of this, you need to wear your retainer every night to keep your alignment straight, unless you’re explicitly instructed otherwise by an orthodontist. Some doctors even recommend wearing a retainer full-time during the first four to six months after getting your braces removed. 

Here are a few quick tips on wearing a retainer:  

• Wear a removable retainer every night for at least the first three years after treatment. After three years, your ligaments are less likely to “snap” back into their original position. 

• Visit your orthodontist every one to two years for an evaluation. They can help maintain your retainer with minor repairs and adjustments to ensure your bite stays aligned.  

• Many patients use Invisalign retainers at night because they're easy to replace and discreet. If you wear them consistently, you won’t need to take new impressions. 

• If your retainer doesn’t fit, don’t try to force it—this could chip or damage a tooth.  

• You need to clean your retainer every day using toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. About once a week, you should use a specially designed cleaner for advanced bacteria control. Products with alcohol can damage Invisalign retainers and other orthodontic appliances.

When dealing with a retainer, every situation is different, and it’s essential to follow the doctor’s instructions. A treating orthodontist understands the intricacies of your treatment. To learn more about Invisalign, braces, retainers, and other orthodontic treatments, call Lamont Jacobs Orthodontics, Inc. in Fairfield, OH, at (513) 829-7045 today. You can also visit the practice online to request an appointment or find out about becoming a new patient.