Once we remove your braces, you will move into the retention stage of your treatment. Maintaining the results you achieved during your orthodontic treatment is key to the success of the entire orthodontic process. Without retention, teeth can shift quickly! Weather you had braces 10 years ago or got them off yesterday, shifting is always a possibility.
Retainers are custom made to fit your teeth and are designed to keep your teeth straight. We typically recommend bonded lingual retainers that are cemented directly to the back of your upper and lower front teeth. As well as a clear retainer that is worn every night and fits over the bonded lingual retainers. It’s a double protection to safeguard your teeth from movement.
After a 24 month stabilization period, we highly recommend you continue to sleep in your clear retainers for as long as possible. Just think of them as pajamas for your teeth!
Here are a few tips on retainer care:
- Brush your retainer daily – plaque will build up on your retainer.
- Keep away from hot surfaces and hot water – heat will cause the retainer to reshape and not fit.
- Keep away from pets – dogs and cats love to chew and will make a snack out of your retainer!
- When not wearing your retainer, it should always be stored in the retainer case and never in a napkin or your pocket.
- If you lose or break your retainer, call us ASAP!
For more information on retainers or orthodontic treatment, call today and schedule a complimentary consultation with Ellis Moon Orthodontics Pearland or Manvel.