Retention

When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 24 months. 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.

Bonded Retainers

Bonded retainers are comprised of a small orthodontic wire which is cemented behind your front teeth. It is attached to each tooth, allowing you to be able to floss between your teeth. The bonded retainer is insurance for retaining your teeth. Teeth are not set in concrete, but bone, which changes in dynamic throughout life. Therefore your teeth are subject to the forces of biting and chewing (thus able to shift).

Clear Removable Retainers

Clear wrap-around retainers are your removable retainers. You must be very careful when handling your upper retainers, as they are fragile and costly to replace. You are given a special case for your retainer; please make sure you keep them in this case when not wearing it! To clean these retainers, brush them with toothpaste (sometimes with denture cleaner) using warm water.

Your retainers should be worn at all times with the exception of eating and brushing your teeth. Your retainer should also be removed when participating in sports that require a mouthguard or while swimming. After 12 months of full-time wear, we may revise your retention treatment, allowing the retainer to strictly be worn at night.

Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far.