Retention
When we remove your braces, you 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 please follow our office instructions.
You must be very careful when handling your retainers, as they are fragile and costly to replace. You are given a special case for your retainer; please make sure you keep them in this case when they are not in your mouth. To clean your retainers, brush them with toothpaste and warm water. You may also soak them in any over the counter retainer cleaner found in most pharmacies. For most patients, retainers will be worn full time for the first year. After 12 months of full-time wear, we will adjust your retainer schedule down to night time hours as instructed. Your final orthodontic result depends on your cooperation with wearing retainers. Please follow through with the retainer program so you can be proud of your outstanding smile.
Retainer Reminders
- Retainers should be worn 24/7 or as instructed by the doctor
- Remove retainers for eating, brushing, team contact sports, swimming in lakes or oceans
- Do not take retainers to the school cafeteria
- Do not wrap retainers in a tissue, napkin or paper towel
- Do not place retainers in your pocket or purse
- Do not leave retainers where pets can get them
- Do not leave retainers in sunlight, heat , a hot car, or hot water
- Brush retainers with toothpaste and warm water; retainers can be soaked in an over the counter cleaner such as efferdent as needed
