My Child Stopped Wearing Their Retainer. What Do We Do?

Posted on April 29, 2024

Orthodontic services typically require children to wear retainers to help their teeth get into alignment. According to Web MD, people may wear retainers for 12 to 23 hours daily. Children often struggle with this, but it’s essential to know what to do once you discover your child hasn’t been wearing theirs. This article will cover what steps you should take!

Check the Retainer

Once you discover that your little one hasn’t been wearing their retainer, it’s essential to check how the retainer fits. Orthodontic services often require wearing several retainers to guide the teeth into alignment gently. If your child’s retainer no longer fits properly, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to develop a new treatment plan.

Ask Them Why

Children usually have various reasons for refusing to wear their retainer. The retainer may feel uncomfortable because they need a new one. Hot water and liquids can often warp a retainer, making it painful. Kids may forget to put it back in after eating or not have the chance to brush their teeth, so they don’t wear their retainer. The underlying reason is to ensure your child resumes and follows their treatment plan.

Resume Wearing It

It’s essential to resume wearing the retainer as soon as possible if there is nothing wrong with it and it still fits. Speak with your child about the importance of following a treatment plan. Work with them to address any underlying issues to ensure they will continue to wear the retainer. Then, ensure they continue wearing the retainer as often as possible.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re unsure whether your child should continue wearing the same retainer, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible. Not wearing a retainer for months can result in the teeth moving back into their previous position, so you may need to start your treatment plan over. Professionals specializing in orthodontic services can also help you determine why your child hasn’t been wearing their retainer.

Continuously wearing a retainer is essential to ensure a successful outcome. However, this can be a struggle for some children. We can help you find the proper treatment to address your concerns. Contact Jacaranda Smiles today to schedule a treatment plan.