Retention is incredibly important once you have had orthodontic treatment, and the prevailing wisdom has changed on the subject of how important they are.

If you undergo a brace treatment, whether it is a removable treatment such as Invisalign or a fixed brace system, once your treatment is completed you will be asked to wear a dental retainer for life, either in the form of a bonded metal link at the back of your teeth or a specially constructed retainer.

According to a metastudy published in the Journal of Dental Research, studies found that retaining your teeth is linked with better oral health.

Here are some of the reasons why.

Risk Of Relapse

The reason why you need a retainer is that your teeth want to return to their original position, and long term research into orthodontics and retainers has shown that this is a lifelong issue that needs to be stopped.

Your gums (specifically the periodontal fibres) want to recoil, the soft tissues in your mouth can press against the tooth and the contact between teeth and the foods you eat, as well as the development of your mouth throughout your life all, contribute to relapse.

Protecting Your Investment

If you have an orthodontic treatment you have likely spent time and money on braces, which could potentially be wasted or require further treatment if you do not retain your teeth.

Teeth Grinding

Many of us suffer from bruxism, which is where we grind our teeth at night. This can cause teeth to move out of alignment or be damaged in other ways.