What Is Orthodontic Retention?

It is the phase of treatment after your braces come off.  Most of your teeth corrections are done, but treatment is not over. You will continue to follow up with your Orthodontic team.

Why Do I Need To Wear My Retainer?

You will need to wear a retainer after your braces are removed to keep your teeth straight. Wearing your retainer is just as important as wearing braces. Your retainer must be worn daily. Wear your retainer as directed by your Orthodontist.

How Long Do I Need To Wear My Wear Retainer?

Wearing your retainer is a lifelong process.  This is the best way to protect your teeth from changing positions over time.

How Do I Clean My Retainer?

1. Take it out when you brush your teeth. Place it in the palm of your hand.
2. Use your toothbrush to brush it softly with water. Do not use toothpaste. Toothpaste will scratch your retainer overtime.
3. Rinse with cool water. Do not use hot water to rinse, clean, or sterilize the retainer.  Hot water can change the shape of the retainer.

If the above steps do not clean your retainer, then:

• you can use liquid dish soap to brush your retainer.
• you can soak the retainer in denture cleaner for 1 hour. Do this only if there is crusty buildup.

Where Do I Store My Retainer To Keep It Safe?

• Always keep your retainer in its case when it’s not in your mouth.
• Remove your retainer when you are eating. Place it in the case.
• If you do not have your case with you or don’t have a safe place to store it, you can sometimes eat with the retainer in. Do not place the retainer in a lunch bag or wrap it in a napkin while you eat. You may throw it away by mistake.
• If you do have to eat with your retainer in, rinse it off as soon as possible.
• Do not leave it in a hot car. It will melt!
• Keep it away from family pets. Pets love the smell and may try to eat it!
• Place your retainer away from smaller children.

Follow Up Visits

Follow up visits will be scheduled as directed by the orthodontist. It is important to check the fit of your retainers and monitor the teeth and growth after treatment. Visits will happen more often in the beginning. Bring your retainer to every visit. If you do not have your retainer, your visit will be rescheduled.

What if There Is a Problem With My Retainer?

Call the dental clinic if your retainer is:

• causing you problems.
• lost.
• not fitting well.
• damaged.

We can help repair or replace your retainer right away to stop your teeth from moving out of place.

Many insurance companies do not pay for repair or replacing retainers. You may need to pay for any non-covered replacement or repair services.