Every year on July 19th, 'International Retainer Day' is celebrated to remind people of the importance of wearing retainers to maintain the alignment of their teeth and their smiles for the long term. This day is particularly important for those who have had braces and now want to preserve the results through retainers.
History of International Retainer Day
International Retainer Day was first celebrated in 2021. It was initiated by Vivera Retainers (a division of Invisalign). Invisalign is a brand that creates transparent and comfortable aligners and retainers as an alternative to traditional braces. The company collaborated with dentists and orthodontists worldwide to launch this day, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of retainers.
What is a Retainer and Why is it Important?
Whenever a person gets their braces removed, the doctor advises them to wear a retainer to maintain the position of their teeth. A retainer is a device made of plastic and metal that helps keep the teeth stable. If it is not worn regularly, the teeth can shift back to their original position. Wearing a retainer is as important as getting braces to maintain a straight and beautiful smile.
Benefits of Wearing a Retainer
- Maintains Your Smile: A retainer preserves the smile achieved through braces for a long time.
- Improves Mouth Health: Properly aligned teeth make chewing, speaking, and cleaning easier.
- Prevention of TMJ Problems: In some cases, retainers can provide relief from problems like TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorders.
- Avoids Re-Treatment: If a retainer is not worn, braces may be needed again, which wastes both time and money.
Celebrities Who Have Worn Braces and Retainers
If you think retainers are only a problem for ordinary people, these names might surprise you:
- America Ferrera – In real life, she only wore a retainer, but her TV character "Ugly Betty" wore braces.
- Prince Harry – The British Royal Family member wore braces for about a decade.
- Gabrielle Union – Braces from ages 9 to 13, followed by a retainer.
- Tom Cruise – Used transparent braces at the age of 40.
How to Celebrate International Retainer Day?
1. Start Wearing Your Retainer Again
If you've stopped wearing it, now is the time to start again. Consult your doctor and make wearing your retainer a regular part of your routine.
2. Make an Appointment with Your Dentist or Orthodontist
If you have any problems with your retainer or want to get a new one made, make an appointment today.
3. Spread Awareness on Social Media
Share your retainer story or old photos with the hashtag #InternationalRetainerDay and inspire others.
4. Inspire Children
If your children or teenagers are wearing or have worn braces, explain the importance of retainers to them.
How to Properly Maintain Your Retainer?
- Clean Every Day – Clean the retainer with a toothbrush and mild soap.
- Avoid Hot Water – Never soak the retainer in hot water, as it can warp.
- Store in a Solid Case – Keep the retainer in its case when not in use.
- Get Regular Check-ups – Have your doctor check your retainer every 6 months.
International Retainer Day is a golden opportunity to understand that wearing a retainer is not just a habit, but a responsibility that helps maintain our smile and dental health for the long term. Many times, people become negligent after getting their braces removed, rendering all the hard work useless. Therefore, on this special day, we should all pledge to use our retainers regularly and continue to have dental checkups, so that our smile always remains beautiful and healthy.
