What Is a Retainer? Why Do I Need One?

After your braces or clear aligner treatment is finished, your orthodontist in Gurnee and Lake Forest, IL, will likely recommend you wear a retainer. Wearing a retainer is an important part of completing braces treatment. Knowing what a retainer does and why it’s important can help you throughout your braces treatment.

At Goshgarian Orthodontics, we do our best to answer patient questions about retainers and other treatments. We’re happy to help you find information about retainers, braces, and clear aligners. Here’s what you need to know.

What Does a Retainer Do?

A retainer is a device you wear in your mouth after you finish a course of treatment with braces or clear aligners. Braces and clear aligners help guide your teeth into a specific position. Once the braces or clear aligner treatment is finished, your teeth might go back to their original position unless you wear a retainer.

You’ll wear a retainer over your teeth to help your jaw retain the desired shape. Your orthodontist will let you know how long you must wear a retainer until the course of treatment is finished.

Who Needs a Retainer?

Virtually anyone who finishes a course of treatment with braces or clear aligners needs a retainer. Your orthodontist will let you know if you need a retainer when your braces or clear aligner treatment is over.

What Happens If I Don’t Wear My Retainer?

If you don’t wear a retainer, your teeth may lose their shape following treatment with braces or clear aligners. Do you have questions about retainers or braces in Gurnee and Lake Forest, IL? Call

Goshgarian Orthodontics today to learn more.