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.

CARE OF INVISIBLE RETAINER

1. Keep retainer in soft or hard case when not being worn.
2. Clean daily with soap and cool water using a Q-tip to remove plaque. Avoid hot water. Avoid toothpaste as it will dull the lustrous finish.
3. Weekly use of a denture cleanser, such as Efferdent, will prevent hard deposit build-up.
4. A rough edge can be carefully smoothed with the fine side of an emery board.
5. Do not eat with retainer in place.

CARE AND USE OF YOUR RETAINER(S)

Now that your treatment has been completed and appliances have been removed, you should make an appointment with your dentist in approximately four (4) weeks to have your teeth cleaned and checked.

Retainers support the teeth in their corrected position and guide the teeth into the established occlusion. Failure to wear the retainers as directed, even for a short time, may result in rapid change; therefore, observe the following instructions:

1. The appliance must be worn at all times. THIS INCLUDES EATING. The retainer is only removed when brushing and cleansing the appliance after eating.
2. You will have to wear the retainer for 24 hours per day for several months. Do not become discouraged in the first few days. Speaking and eating will become less difficult shortly.
3. If there is a prolonged irritation of the gums, lips, cheeks or tongue, make no attempt to adjust your retainer yourself. Phone for an adjustment appointment.
4. When you brush your teeth after every meal, brush your retainer with your toothbrush and toothpaste. Avoid using very hot water when cleaning the appliance as it may distort the plastic.
5. After a few months, retainer wear will be reduced to part-time. You will be informed of this change at a check-up appointment. When the retainer is out of the mouth, put it in the plastic case provided and not in your pocket. This prevents bending, breaking or loss. A special place should be set aside for your retainer. It should not be left haphazardly around the house.
6. Take care of your retainer(s)! To make a new one requires considerable time. If the retainer is lost or broken through carelessness, there is a replacement charge.
7. During or at the end of retention, we frequently do some “balancing of the occlusion.” This means shaping certain parts of your teeth to improve their biting relationship. This service helps in maintaining the health of the mouth and requires the reduction of minute amounts of enamel in precise spots.