If you forget to wear your retainer, this one’s for you! As you know, wearing your retainer(s) after orthodontic treatment with braces, Invisalign® or SO Clear Aligners is absolutely essential for maintaining your end results.
It’s important that you take the time to determine which methods of motivation work best for you so you can develop a habit of wearing your retainer.
Here are 4 top tips to put an end to the dreaded “Oops! I forgot to wear my retainer!” moment.
1. Set a reminder on your phone.
Nowadays, we spend a lot of time with our phones! Setting a daily alarm that reminds you to put your retainer in is a great way to combat forgetfulness. Most people won’t miss a reminder on their phone, since we tend to check our phones early in the morning and periodically throughout the day.
Set a reminder around the time that you wake up as well as a reminder at night.
2. Keep your retainer case where you can see it.
“Out of sight, out of mind” can be a real problem when it comes to your retainer! If you keep your retainer case stowed away in a closed cabinet or drawer, you won’t have that visual reminder that your retainer exists.
Instead, keep your retainer case next to your sink so you see your retainer first thing in the morning when you’re brushing your teeth.
3. Write a reminder on your mirror!
Write a little reminder on the mirror you use most! Whether that’s your bathroom mirror, a vanity in your room, or a full-length mirror in your closet, writing a note on your most frequented mirror will prevent you from leaving the house saying “Ahh! I forgot to wear my retainer!”
If you have dry erase markers that are easy to wipe away with a wet wipe or cloth, you can write a fun, colorful reminder on your mirror. Or you can write on a post-it note and stick it to your mirror. Add an uplifting self-love note beside it too: “Don’t forget to wear your retainer! Smile, you’re beautiful!”
4. Get an accountability buddy.
Nothing is more motivating than having a friend who shares the same goals as you! If you have a friend who went through orthodontic treatment and needs to make a habit out of wearing their retainer too, hold each other accountable.
You can switch off sending a “Good morning! Don’t forget to wear your retainer” text when either of you wakes up. Maybe you create a reward system where you both go on an ice cream date at the end of the week after you wear your retainer with perfect attendance.
What to do if you forget to wear your retainer
If you forget to wear your retainer, all you have to do is choose one of the above ideas and make it a habit to remind yourself to wear your retainer daily. You don’t need to do anything except wear your retainer.
Forgetting to wear your retainer for a few days isn’t a big deal, but it’s important that you start wearing it ASAP and try your hardest not to go another few days without wearing it.
Forgetting to wear your retainer for weeks or a month at a time can be a challenge, especially if you’re at the beginning of your retention phase. This is when your teeth are more susceptible to “relapsing” or moving back to their original positions.
In any case, just be sure to recommit to wearing your retainer immediately. Never shove a retainer in your mouth that doesn’t fit. This can damage your teeth. If your retainer doesn’t fit at some point, please let us know immediately.
Still have questions about wearing your retainer?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions about retainers, different types of braces, Invisalign® or SO Clear Aligner treatment, or accelerated orthodontic treatment. We’re here to help you achieve an incredible smile – and keep it for a lifetime.
Get to know our highly-experienced doctors, Dr. Spillers and Dr. Gordon, hear what we’re all about.
Request your complimentary exam with 5-star orthodontists in Warner Robins or Macon, GA, today!
