Retainers for teeth are mostly used in the last phase of orthodontic treatment. After the braces have been removed, teeth can shift back to their wrong position. So, retainers can help maintain the position of straightened teeth. Unfortunately, this last stage causes many difficulties and problems.

It can be very upsetting for teens to wear dental retainers at the stage of their teeth being aligned and them thinking everything was done with. It will irritate them and might provoke refusal to follow instructions or wear the retainer at all times. Which can result in the comeback of the original problem, wasted parent's money, nerves and efforts. On top of that, all the suffering, discomfort, psychological complexes and uncertainty your son/ or daughter went through while wearing the braces would have been for nothing. What should you do, to make the final process of aligning your teens' teeth successful?

What Are the Most Common Excuses for Not Wearing the Retainer?

1. All my friends had braces, and they don t wear their retainers.
2. My friend says I only have to wear it at night.
3. My retainer makes my mouth hurt too much, so I hate wearing it.
4. It s too embarrassing to take the retainer out every time I eat.
5. It affects the way I speak, and people laugh at me.

By knowing these excuses, parents can then address the heart of the problem, which isn t the retainer itself. Some kids avoid pain; others avoid apparent social humiliation.

So, What Can Parents Do to Help the Teen?

1. Finding accounts and pictures. Go to the internet and look up the stories of teens who have ruined their straightened smiles by neglecting to wear their retainers. These testimonials can combat the information teens are getting from friends.
2. Using logic. Does the teen know that the bones around the teeth are softer, allowing the teeth to shift? Some kids respond well to increased knowledge.
3. Providing pain medication. Medicines like ibuprofen can help with the pain that may initially come with wearing the retainer.
4. Once again, explain to the teenager that there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Almost every second person in the US wears braces. In addition, you can help them organize the process of hygiene and eating. Buy a convenient container for the retainer, special napkins or disinfection gels/sprays. In general, everything that your child may need for a comfortable meal in public places.
5. Talking to a dentist about getting a permanent retainer. For some kids, a permanent, bonded retainer might be the best solution. If your teen wants to avoid having permanent wires or brackets in or around their teeth, they might get more serious about wearing the removable appliance.