“What is International Retainer Day” you may be asking yourself. This is a day that challenges you to show off your beautiful smile by using that retainer you received after having orthodontic treatment.
Why is it important to wear your retainer daily? People have been wearing retainers since the early 1900s to keep their teeth from slipping sideways. Wearing your retainer everyday keeps your teeth from moving and shifting back into incorrect positions. We encourage you to keep wearing your retainer even on days when you just don’t want to. Keep that smile straight and beautiful!
INTERNATIONAL RETAINER DAY TIMELINE |
7000 B.C. |
Origins of Dentistry One of the oldest medical professions begins in the Indus Valley Civilization. |
1530 A.D. |
Inaugural Dentistry Literature The first book entirely devoted to dentistry, “The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth” is published. |
1896 |
Earliest Tooth Imaging The first dental X-ray is used. |
1985 |
Revolutionary Dental Study Rolph Behrens, an orthodontist, publishes a paper called "Growth in the Aging Craniofacial Skeleton" that definitively shows that faces continue to grow for life, thus making a case for retainers to be worn for life. |
Fun Facts about your Retainer!
- Retainers are shaped with heat. Keep them out of the sun and don’t forget them in your packet on a hot summer day!
- Retainers are made custom to your mouth. Wear them daily to keep your teeth from shifting.
- Retainers can get dirty! Make sure to keep them clean. You can clean them with denture cleaning tablets or your toothbrush to prevent bad breath. Pro tip: A little hydrogen peroxide once a week will help keep them more clear over time.
- Your pets like your retainers more than you do! Keep them in their case and up high so your furry friends can’t reach them when they are not in your mouth.
- Your retainers can be easy to lose when not in your mouth. Keep them in a safe place everywhere you go. Many times they come with a case to put in when not in use.
HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL RETAINER DAY
- Smile and share
Share your #InternationalRetainerDay smile on social media. Post photos and videos to let people know about the importance of retainers.
- Wear your retainer
This is the whole point of the holiday, so it's only proper that you wear your retainer. If it's been a long time since you did, consult your dentist to see if you need a new one.
- Visit the dentist
This is a day to show your teeth some extra love. Make a trip to the dentist for a checkup on those pearly whites.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL RETAINER DAY!
KEEP THAT SMILE STRAIGHT AND BRIGHT!