Retention

Congratulations! This is the day you’ve been waiting for! Your braces and orthodontic appliances have been removed and you are entering the retention phase. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Please take a moment to read through the instructions for wearing retainers. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Please call your family dentist.

Brush and floss daily to protect your beautiful smile.

Wear your removable retainer as instructed.

Take care of your removable retainer.

Clean them daily as instructed with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Don’t wrap them up in a napkin – they may be thrown away.
Keep them away from heat sources – they will distort.
Keep them away from pets – dogs love to chew them.
If you are not wearing or cleaning your retainer KEEP IT IN YOUR RETAINER CASE!

F.A.Q.’s

How long do I have to wear my upper retainer?

Be sure to wear your retainer as instructed for the first year. After that, periodic wear is a good idea, indefinitely. Some people are more likely to have shifting than others. A good rule of thumb is if the retainer feels tight wear it more. If it fits comfortably, you can experiment with less wear.

How long do I have to keep my lower retainer?

If you have a clear lower retainer, the instructions are the same as above. If your lower retainer is bonded in place, we recommend that you keep it as long as possible. It is important you keep the area clean with brushing and flossing. Check with your family dentist or us to make sure everything is clean and healthy. If you are unable to keep the area clean or if you are unhappy with the bonded retainer, we will be happy to recommend an alternative.

What do I do if my retainer is lost, broken or doesn’t fit?

Please call us as soon as possible!