When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage
of your
treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 1 -2 years. 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. Also, call the office right away if your retainers
are lost or broken.
About Your Retainers
Congratulations, you did it. Now we have to work
together to stabilize the results of your treatment. The tongue, lips
and supporting structures are adapting to the new positions of your
teeth. You need to wear your retainers indefinitely to maintain your
results. Dr. Paden will oversee your first 1-2 years of retention, but
we recommend that you continue to wear the retainers. Retainers prevent
the teeth from moving back to their original position.
The teeth will not stay exactly where we have placed them.
They will
make adaptive changes to function in the most effective manner. This
readjustment is not a failure of correction, but a natural change that
we have anticipated. Moreover, there is a natural level of shifting
that occurs in the mouth as you age. This compounds the need to wear
the retainers indefinitely.
Here's what we'll do:
- We will provide you with retainers for each arch following
the
removal of the braces. If a retainer is lost or broken, it is important
that you have a replacement made; otherwise, your teeth will shift.
Please call us for an appointment if this happens.
- We'll carefullysupervise the wear and care of your
retainers for the first 1-2 years
and help you with any problems. Please bring the retainers to all of
your appointments.
- We'll monitor the development of wisdom teeth, and
keep you and your dentist advised.
Here's what you need to do:
- Brush and floss thoroughly every day to
protect that beautiful smile!!
- Wear your retainers as instructed –
usually nighttime only
- Take care of the retainers – clean them daily with
toothpaste and a
toothbrush. Don't wrap them in a tissue, as they may be thrown away.
Make sure they are put away in the case during the daytime, as dogs and
other pets love to chew on them.
- If you lose or break a retainer,
call us immediately! The teeth will move if retainers are not worn.
There is a charge to replace retainers, so please be careful.
*Remember, while Dr. Paden oversees you for
the first 1-2 years of
retention, the retainers should be worn far into your future.