Wear that Retainer! 10 tips for encouraging teens.

After months (or even years) of wearing braces, it’s a huge relief when they finally come off! Your teen is excited to show off their new smile, but the work isn’t completely done yet! Wearing a retainer is critical to maintaining those results, ensuring that all the effort put into straightening their teeth wasn’t for nothing. But as many parents know, getting a teenager to wear their retainer can be a challenge. Let’s dive into why retainers are so important and how you can encourage your teen to stick with it.

Why Wearing a Retainer Is Important

Once braces are removed, teeth can gradually shift back to their original positions. This is a natural process as the bone and surrounding tissues need time to stabilize. Retainers help prevent this relapse, keeping the teeth in their new, corrected positions. Skipping the retainer, even for short periods, can lead to teeth shifting, potentially undoing all the hard work (and cost!) of braces.

Here are 10 practical tips to help your teen stay on track with wearing their retainer:

1. Involve Them in Choosing the Retainer

Today’s retainers come with options! Some are more discreet, like clear plastic ones, while others can be customised with colors or designs. Giving your teen some choice in the type of retainer can make them feel more responsible and invested.

2. Set a Routine

Teens are more likely to stick to something if it’s part of their daily routine. Encourage them to wear their retainer at the same time every day—whether that’s after brushing in the morning and at night, or wearing it during sleep.

3. Use a Retainer Case

A sturdy, personalised case can make a difference. Teens are less likely to lose or damage their retainer if they have a designated place to store it when it’s not being worn.

4. Educate on the Consequences

Sometimes, teens respond best when they understand the consequences of not wearing their retainer. Explain how their teeth can shift and that they might need braces again if they don’t stay consistent. A quick online search of “teeth after not wearing a retainer” can be an eye-opener!

5. Highlight the Benefits of a Straight Smile

Teens often respond well when they understand how something directly benefits them. Remind them that wearing their retainer helps keep their smile straight and prevents future issues like crowding or bite problems. You can also point out how a confident smile can boost self-esteem and how much easier it will be to care for well-aligned teeth. Connecting the habit to their personal goals or self-image can make wearing the retainer feel more worthwhile.

6. Set Phone Reminders

Teens are almost always glued to their phones, so why not use that to your advantage? Help them set up daily reminders or alarms to put on their retainer. This simple step can turn into a habit over time.

7. Keep It Clean

No one wants to wear something that feels dirty or smells bad. Teach your teen how to properly clean their retainer to keep it fresh. This can also prevent oral health issues like bad breath or plaque buildup.

8. Lead by Example

If you’ve ever had to wear a retainer or another type of dental appliance, let your teen know! Sharing your experience of staying diligent with your retainer or dealing with shifting teeth can make them realise they’re not alone in this process.

9. Check in With Their orthodontist or dentist

Sometimes hearing it from the orthodontist or dentist can make a difference. A follow-up visit where the dentist stresses the importance of wearing the retainer can reinforce the message in a way teens might take more seriously.

10. Emphasise the Temporary Nature

Remind your teen that while it might feel like a hassle now, retainer wear isn’t forever. After a few months or years of consistent wear, they may only need to wear it at night or a few times a week to maintain their smile.

At Maroubra Dental Clinic, We’re Here to Help!

At our clinic in Maroubra, we know that ensuring your teen wears their retainer can feel like a battle. That’s why we take the time to explain the importance of retainers and work closely with both teens and parents to ensure long-term success after orthodontic treatment. From personalised retainers to helpful tips, we’re committed to helping your teen maintain their beautiful, straight smile for years to come.

If you have any questions or would like more advice on how to encourage your teen to wear their retainer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Maroubra Dental Clinic. We're here to support you every step of the way!