When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
Retainers support your teeth in their correct positions and guide the teeth into a more natural position after braces. Your retainers must be worn as directed. If any problems develop, call for an EXTRA appointment. If possible DO NOT wait until your regular appointment to have repairs.
In most cases, retainers are worn 12- 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the first year that your braces are removed. Then you gradually cut back to nights only. Failure to wear retainers as directed, even for a short period of time, may cause a rapid change in your teeth positioning. Please follow homecare instructions listed below to maintain satisfactory results.
Wear your retainer at all times, even while you are sleeping, with the following exceptions: The retainer may be removed for eating, swimming, and vigorous sporting activities.
It is normal for new or recently adjusted appliances to cause soreness or a slight alteration of speech for a few days following your appointment. If you experience a sore spot on the gums, however, please call our office so that we can make an appropriate adjustment.
Wear your retainer at all times, even while you are sleeping, with the following exceptions: The retainer may be removed for eating, swimming, and vigorous sporting activities.
It is normal for new or recently adjusted appliances to cause soreness or a slight alteration of speech for a few days following your appointment. If you experience a sore spot on the gums, however, please call our office so that we can make an appropriate adjustment.
Brush your retainer daily with toothpaste. If needed, denture cleaner can be used for a more thorough cleaning. If you have a bonded wire retainer behind your front teeth, be careful to clean it as well when brushing your teeth. Do not boil your retainer to sterilize it. If you feel that it needs sterilization, bring it to the office so that we can properly disinfect it for you.
Because the retainer is removable, it can be taken out for convenience during meals and for cleaning. However, careful care should be taken not to lose your retainer. When eating meals, be sure to keep it in its case for safety. Never wrap the retainer in a napkin or store it in your pocket. Keep it away from dogs and cats, as they love to chew on these appliances. Please note: an additional charge will be incurred for lost or broken retainers.
Retainer treatment time varies by patient. Some may even require permanent retention to keep teeth aligned properly. We will discuss this as part of your overall treatment plan. Remember, your retainer can only work when you are wearing it! Please give us a call if you have any questions about retainer use. REMOVABLE APPLIANCES Appliances are used during various stages of the orthodontic process, either to retain the new position of teeth, or in some cases to influence the growth of the jaws for a better bite alignment. Appliances may be fixed or removable.
As with retainers, all orthodontic appliances should be worn as prescribed. They should be cleaned with toothpaste once a day, and if removed for eating or sports, they should be placed in their container, never in a pocket or napkin where they may be broken or thrown away.