Your retainer has been specially made from recent impressions of your teeth – it’s been determined that all corrections achieved during your treatment should be retained and appliances for either your upper or lower arch (or perhaps, both) have been constructed! We do not want your teeth to return to the original positions they were in before you wore fixed appliances (braces). Retainers prevent this from happening by assisting your teeth to remain in their newly corrected positions!
It will not be necessary to visit your Doctor’s office as often as was required when you wore braces; however, this does NOT mean this final phase of treatment is unimportant! Special wearing instructions may be necessary and all office appointments must be kept to insure that your treatment is successfully completed!
Although your upper Retainer is removable it should be worn a minimum of ten hours, unless you are otherwise instructed. A lower Retainer may either be removable or cemented to the teeth – in all cases, call for an appointment immediately if a cemented bonding should loosen or any wires break.
Removable Retainers should be cleaned after each meal – this also provides an excellent opportunity to brush your teeth! All Retainers should be rinsed thoroughly after cleaning and immediately returned to your mouth.
Never wrap your Retainer in a napkin or put it in your pocket – always store it in your carrying case! If you own a dog, please be sure to keep your retainer in your mouth or in the retainer case, up and away from the dog, as dogs love to chew on retainers. Finally, your Retainer is fragile and should never be abused – any breakage will result in additional expense and EXTEND YOUR WEARING TIME! Remember, the most ideal place to store your Retainer is in your mouth.
Your post braces treatment includes 24 months of follow up care to ensure a beautiful long term smile.