How to Encourage Kids to Wear Retainers After Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment can require a substantial commitment of both time and money. And for kids, after a long and sometimes uncomfortable active treatment period, it’s natural for them to be eager to get their braces off (or take out their aligners) and enjoy their new smile.

However, it’s important to remember that the retainer is just as important as the braces in maintaining the straight teeth and beautiful smile that they worked so hard to achieve. 

Getting children to consistently wear their retainers, though, can be a challenge. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to encourage kids to wear their retainers after orthodontic treatment.

Explain the Importance of Retainers to Them

The first essential step is to educate kids about the significance of wearing retainers. Explain to them that retainers help to keep their teeth in their new, straightened position. 

Emphasize that without wearing retainers, their teeth may gradually shift back to their original alignment, undoing all the progress made during orthodontic treatment. Make sure to use simple and relatable language to ensure that they understand exactly how important this daily habit is.

Set a Consistent Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to wearing retainers. So, establishing a daily routine will make it easier for kids to remember and incorporate this habit into their daily lives. Encourage your child to wear their retainers for the recommended duration, usually for several hours a day or overnight. You can do this by setting reminders or alarms until wearing retainers becomes a natural part of their routine.

Leave Visibile Reminders Around the House

It is not uncommon for kids to not wear their retainers simply because they forgot. Help jog their memory by leaving small reminders in visible places around the house or in their things. 

For instance, you can put colorful sticky notes on the bathroom mirror or beside-table, or stick a note in their lunchbox or gym bag. These reminders will prompt them to put their retainer back in after meals, sports activities, or cleaning their teeth.

Make it Fun and Rewarding

Transforming the concept of wearing retainers into an enjoyable experience will help motivate kids to comply willingly. Explore creative ways to make the process fun, such as using a colorful retainer case or allowing them to choose their favorite retainer design. 

When your child does wear their retainer, be sure to offer them positive reinforcement. This could be anything from verbal praise to a small reward. Positive reinforcement will help them to associate wearing their retainer with positive feelings.

You can also consider implementing a reward system where they earn points or small incentives for consistent retainer wear. Celebrate milestones and achievements to keep their motivation high.

Lead by Example

Kids often learn best by observing and imitating their parents or older siblings. If you or another family member is also currently wearing retainers, let your child see you using them consistently. 

Share your own experiences and explain how wearing retainers has benefited you. By being a positive role model, you can inspire your child to take their retainer wear seriously.

What to Do If Your Child Refuses to Wear Their Retainer

If your child refuses to wear their retainer, it’s important to first try to understand why they are refusing. Are they uncomfortable with the retainer? Are they embarrassed to wear it? Once you understand the reason for their refusal, you can start to effectively address it.

If your child is uncomfortable with the retainer, you may need to take it back to the orthodontist to have it adjusted. You can also try talking to your child about their concerns and see if there is anything you can do to make the retainer more comfortable for them.

If your child is embarrassed to wear the retainer, you can try to reassure them that no one will notice it. You can also talk to their friends and family about the importance of wearing a retainer, and see if they can help to encourage your child.

In some cases, it may be necessary to take away your child’s privileges until they start wearing their retainer. However, it’s important to use this as a last resort and to make sure that your child understands why you are taking away their privileges.

Make Your Child’s Retainer Wear a Team Effort to Achieve Success

Consistent retainer wear is crucial for maintaining the positive results achieved through orthodontic treatment. By following the tips we covered above, you can effectively encourage your child to wear their retainers. Remember, patience and support are key in helping children understand the long-term benefits of this simple yet essential habit. 

Also, don’t be afraid to talk to your child’s orthodontist about it. They may be able to offer some additional tips or suggestions based on your child’s specific situation.

​​Here at Cook & Gutsche Orthodontics, we aim to make orthodontic treatment and its maintenance as smooth, easy, and effective as possible for your children. Our goal is to give your child the beautiful smile they deserve and help keep it that way for the long run.

If you have any questions about your child’s orthodontic treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help! And if you are looking to get your child started on their way to straight teeth, schedule an initial consultation appointment with us today!