Following third molar extraction, the resumption of orthodontic retainer wear is a crucial aspect of maintaining treatment progress. The timing of this resumption depends on individual healing and post-operative instructions provided by the oral surgeon. Generally, patients can expect to return to wearing their retainers once the extraction sites have sufficiently healed and any swelling or discomfort has subsided enough to allow comfortable placement of the appliance.
Resuming retainer wear at the appropriate time helps prevent orthodontic relapse. Teeth can shift relatively quickly after active treatment, particularly after a surgical procedure like wisdom tooth extraction. This shift can compromise the results achieved through prior orthodontic work. By promptly returning to retainer wear, patients safeguard their investment in orthodontic treatment and maintain the desired alignment of their teeth. Historically, retainers were made of metal and were rather bulky. Modern retainers can be made of clear plastic making them almost invisible.
