Retainers
As part of all orthodontic therapy, retention is essential to a successful long term result. The tissues which support the teeth, the gums and periodontal ligament, are largely elastic and collagenous in nature. This elastic capacity of their fibers causes post treatment tooth movement if an extended period of time is not given for these tissues to reorganize. Following your active orthodontic therapy or tooth movement, your doctor will prescribe some form of retention or retainer which may be fixed in place with orthodontic adhesive or removable. Both types have inherent advantages and disadvantages such as adjust-ability, hygiene access, and aesthetics.
If you have a fixed retainer, please alert our office to any failure of the bonding agent or untoward tooth movement immediately.
If you have a removable retainer please follow the individually prescribed wear pattern. For your information, it usually includes 6 months full time wear (excluding sports, eating, and cleaning), 6 months nights only, and 12 months gradually decreasing as directed. If you have any concerns with your particular case just call our office - there is no need to wait for another appointment.
Some general retainer guidelines:
If you have a fixed retainer, please alert our office to any failure of the bonding agent or untoward tooth movement immediately.
If you have a removable retainer please follow the individually prescribed wear pattern. For your information, it usually includes 6 months full time wear (excluding sports, eating, and cleaning), 6 months nights only, and 12 months gradually decreasing as directed. If you have any concerns with your particular case just call our office - there is no need to wait for another appointment.
Some general retainer guidelines:
- Now that your braces are off and you are enjoying your beautiful new smile, we would like to give you some information about retainers.
Retainers are very important to your orthodontic result and the first year after braces is always the most crucial.
- Until you are advised differently, wear your retainer all the time, except for playing sports and eating.
- Brush the retainers with cold water every time you brush your teeth. Soaking them in mouthwash during dinner will give you that after-dinner mint taste. Occasionally soaking in regular denture cleaner is also a good idea.
- Retainers can easily be broken if they are not in your mouth or in their case. Avoid backpacks, back pockets, tabletops and places where the family pet can reach them.
- If you break your retainer, do not try to fix it yourself. Call our office to get it repaired.
- Be careful not to click your retainer in and out all the time or always be taking it out to show friends. This will cause it to get loose and not fit properly.
- Retainers do not like heat. Avoid hot water, sunlight and do not microwave them (yes, it has been done).
- You may talk funny or salivate more when you first get your retainer. This is normal and will improve with practice and time.
- Remember: retainers are difficult to make and expensive to replace. Take care of them and bring them to your recall appointments with us. With proper care, your retainer will serve you well for a very long time.
