Retainers
Congratulations! Now that your braces have been removed you can really enjoy the benefits of straight teeth. Although the active phase of your treatment is now complete, it is important to realize that you will now begin the retention phase of treatment. This means that you will need to wear the retainers we have provided, and report regularly to our office for retention checks. Remember to always bring your retainers when you visit our office.
The
importance of wearing retainers cannot be over emphasized. The reason
that retainers are so important is because without them, your teeth will
have a tendency to move back to the position they were in before your
braces were placed. This is because the tissues that surround your teeth
(gums and bone) need to “remodel” to accommodate the new position
of your teeth. This will take a long time, and so it is extremely important
to wear the retainers as directed. The retainers will hold your teeth
in the alignment they are in today, keeping them straight. Most patients
will need to wear their retainers regularly for life to keep perfectly
straight teeth. The orthodontist will let you know exactly how often to
wear them.
| Special care should be taken to prevent damage to your retainers. Keep them away from extreme temperatures, especially heat, which may warp them. Never leave them in a car during warm weather, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and do not immerse them in boiling water. Never clean them with solvents such as alcohol or acetone. They can usually be cleaned sufficiently with daily brushing. Always place them in the provided case when not in use, and keep them away from pets and young children. Do not place them on meal trays, as they may be thrown away. Never try to adjust your retainers! As with anything, your retainers will not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced, but proper care should keep them functional for a long time, and avoid unnecessary replacement fees. Finally, remember that if you should have any problems such as a lost retainer, broken retainer, poorly fitting retainer, or teeth that appear to have moved, do not wait until your next scheduled appointment! Call our office and schedule an emergency adjustment so that the problem can be corrected immediately. Retainer problems can usually be fixed easily if treated quickly. You can choose from these colors and designs when your retainers are made.
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This
site was developed in conjunction with the
American Association of Orthodontists.
© 2003
American Association of Orthodontists