Orthodontic Retention

You've worked hard for your beautiful smile; keep it that way!

Finally, your braces have been removed and your smile is beautiful, straight, and best of all, metal-free! However, your orthodontic journey isn't quite completed. To keep your smile looking its best, you'll have to wear a retainer to preserve and stabilize your results. Retainers are needed to control or limit potential changes in tooth position. They are used after braces treatment to hold teeth in their correct alignment while the surrounding gums, bone, and muscle adjust to the new positioning of your teeth.

Your Retainers

*Retainers are custom made and usually given to you the same day your braces are removed.

*Wear your retainer at all times, until the doctor instructs otherwise. 

*Take your retainer out when eating,and always put it back in it's case! (Most retainers are lost in school lunchrooms and restaurants.)

*Clean the retainer thoroughly twice a day with a toohbrush and toothpaste.Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque and elimates  odors. Efferdent or other denture type cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing.       

*When your retainer is not in your mouth it must always be in your case. Pets love to chew on them!                                                  

*Initially you may find it difficult to speak. But by practicing speaking you will become accustomed to them very quickly.                         

*Treat your retainers with care because they can be broken. If they are lost or broken call the office immediately. Remember your teeth may shift rapidly!

*Always bring your retainers to your appointments.

*Replacement retainers are expensive, but with proper care your retainers will last for years.

*Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards ,pockets, the washing  machine,and napkins.

*REMEMBER one thing is certain in orthodontics; if you don't wear your retainers your teeth will move!