Retainers

Once you have done the time with wearing your braces, a retainer will be the next step of the treatment process. This step is called of the treatment process is called “retention”. A retainer is used to make sure that your teeth stay in the new place that they have been moved to until your gums, muscles and bone adapt to the new positions as well. If you do not wear your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist, your teeth can begin to move back into their original positions and bring us right back to square one; making your treatment time twice as long!

Because every case and patient are different, the amount of time that you need to wear your retainer will vary from person to person. It all depends on the severity of the case! Some patients are required to wear their retainer for an extended amount of time to ensure that the teeth have in fact stopped shifting. In some extreme cases, permanent retention could be necessary.

Wearing your retainer, also known as the retention period, is a very vital part of your treatment process and should not be neglected! Remember, not wearing your retainer as directed can cause your teeth to shift back into their original positions. So remember, wear them in your mouth and not in your pockets! Retainers work best when doctor’s orders are followed!

It is also important that you brush your retainer after each meal, making sure to clean all parts of the retainer. When you take your retainer out, be sure to place it in its holding case for safety as retainers are easy to misplace!

If you’ve lost your retainer or need an adjustment or repair made give our Martindale Dental office a call today to schedule an appointment.