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Life with Retainers

Orthodontic RetainersCompleting orthodontic treatment is a huge milestone! Months and months of effort have produced a beautiful, healthy smile. After braces are removed or the last Invisalign tray has been worn, it's time to move to the next phase of orthodontics - RETAINERS. The retention stage of treatment is just as important as the actual movement of the teeth. Retainers are essential as they retain or hold your teeth to ensure they do not shift back to the position they were in prior to orthodontic treatment.

Clear Orthodontic RetainerYour retention appointments will be conducted for about a year at 3-6 month intervals to maintain the holding of your correction. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far! If your retainers are not worn, movement of the teeth will occur.

Initially, your retainers must be worn at all times except when eating and brushing your teeth. Speaking may be tricky at first, but you will adjust quickly. As Dr. Trimmell, Dr. Anders, Dr. White, Dr. Nguyen or Dr. Snider continue to see you, they will slowly reduce your hours of retainer wear until you are wearing them only when you sleep. Each patient may have different instructions. Therefore, please make sure you follow the doctor's instructions carefully. RETAINERS ARE A LIFETIME COMMITMENT!

A few retainers do's and don'ts:

  • Keep retainers in a retainer case when they are not being worn - do not wrap them in a napkin or put them in your pocket
  • Keep retainers away from pets - they love to chew on retainers!
  • Remove retainers before brushing, flossing, or eating
  • Brush retainers with your toothbrush and toothpaste daily and be sure to rinse them after each meal or snack
  • Do not store retainers in extreme cold or hot temperatures as this can melt, warp, or crack them and they will no longer fit properly
  • Never place retainers in hot or boiling water

****IMPORTANT: If your retainers are lost, broken, or are not fitting properly, please contact us ASAP. It is very important to have replacement retainers made immediately to ensure your teeth do not shift.

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