Any dental care professional or orthodontist will tell you, retainers are just as important to maintaining a perfect smile as braces. At Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, Hawaii and Lihue, Hawaii, they specialize in a wide range of pediatric dentistry services from teeth cleaning to orthodontics. If your child recently got their braces off, here are three signs they need a retainer from the dental care pros at Pediatric Dental Group:

• Teeth Are Shifting: If your child has had their braces removed recently, it’s important for them to continue to wear their retainer to maintain their new, straightened smile. If you notice your child’s teeth are starting to shift and return to their original positioning, it’s important to check in and make sure they are wearing their retainer. Odds are, they’ll need to get fitted for a new one if their teeth have shifted significantly as the original retainer may not fit the same way.
• Bite Has Changed: While braces and retainers are key to straightening teeth, dental care pros will also tell you that orthodontics are crucial to fixing bite issues as well. If your child has an underbite, an overbite, or jaws that are not properly aligned, a retainer is the key to ensuring the bite stays aligned.
• Trouble Cleaning Teeth: Many children have trouble properly cleaning their teeth when they have braces and metal brackets. If your child’s teeth only require minimal straightening, a retainer may be a great option. A removable retainer allows your child the ability to properly clean their teeth and continue to straighten their smile.

If you live in the greater Honolulu, Hawaii area and you’re looking for a dental care office that specializes in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, call Pediatric Dental Group today at (808) 593-8828 to schedule your next appointment. To find out more about their pediatric dentistry services, be sure to check out their website.