Retainers
Congratulations on your beautiful smile! You have successfully completed your active phase of orthodontic treatment and are entering the retention phase. Everyone has worked hard for this result and it is up to YOU to “retain” or keep it that way.
The retainers have a stabilizing effect on the teeth and need to be worn as directed to accomplish this. Most patients continue to mature and develop after the braces are removed, and these changes of bone, muscle and face can slowly effect the position of the teeth.
These retainers must be worn as instructed by your orthodontist. If not there may be drifting of some or all of the teeth. Correction of the problem will be necessary and could include adding springs to the retainer or wearing braces again. There WILL be an additional fee if this would become necessary, so PLEASE, wear the retainers as instructed.
- Wear these clear retainers every night unless instructed differently by Dr. Smith.
- Keep your retainers in the case provided when they are not being worn so they won’t be lost or broken.
- Keep them away from small children or pets.
- Brush your retainers with toothpaste before you put them in and when you take them out. You may also use denture cleaner or diluted mouthwash weekly to help keep them fresh.
- Do not place your retainers in hot water or expose them to heat. This could cause them to warp or melt.
- Please bring your retainers to every appointment.
- IF you lose or break your retainers, there WILL be an additional charge to repair or replace them.