Retainers

CONGRATULATIONS!!

You have made it through the orthodontic process! Your teeth look great, but you’re not done yet. You have entered the “retention phase” of your treatment, which will determine how your teeth will look for years to come!

When your braces are removed, your teeth may feel “loose” or “wobbly”. That’s because the bone and ligaments that surround and anchor your teeth have stretched and compressed. It will take months for your teeth to feel comfortable in their new positions, and it is during this time that your teeth will want to move back to their original positions. YOU, and only you can keep your smile looking great by wearing your retainers as directed! Remember, teeth can’t move when being held in place by a well fitting retainer!

Care and Cleaning

Your retainers should be cleaned regularly with toothpaste and a toothbrush, and kept in a safe place (in their case) when not in your mouth. NEVER attempt to “sterilize” your retainers in hot water, boiling, or placing them in the microwave. Care should be taken when removing or inserting your retainers to prevent damaging the plastic. Avoid “biting” your retainers into place or playing with them while in your mouth. A retainer that is cared for will last for many years, whereas mistreating your retainers could become very costly.

Wearing Your Retainer

Appointments during the “retention phase” give us an opportunity to check the fit of your retainers, your bite, and answer any questions you may have regarding your treatment. By signing this letter, you agree that your retainer seats comfortably over your teeth with no poking or pinching. Any necessary adjustments should be made before you leave today. Your goal at this point is to wear your retainers as much as directed to, making sure that they always fit snuggly into place. Your next appointment will be in four weeks. It is imperative that your retainers are worn full-time during the first two weeks after the braces are removed and for twelve hours a day for the second two weeks so your teeth will stay in the positions that we have put them in. Full time wear is defined as 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, with the exception of eating and brushing. At the four week visit, you will be given new guidelines regarding the frequency of your retainer wear. Your treatment plan includes seeing you again at 3 months from the date your braces were removed and the last retainer check on your anniversary – 1 year from today.

Keeping your teeth straight

After one year in the retention phase, you will have completed treatment with us under our direct care. Like any other part of your body, maintaining healthy teeth is a lifetime proposition. Once you have established a routine with your retainers, you should never stop. Whether it is every night, once a week or once a month, get into the habit of putting your retainer in and checking for movement. If you lose your retainers or start to notice movement, call immediately for an appointment. Do not wait until it is too late! Each patient is different; while slight shifting is normal, if retainers are worn properly your teeth should remain straight throughout your lifetime! AGAIN CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW SMILE!