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When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The active retention phase lasts for 12 months at our office, whereby we will see you for scheduled appointments. After the inital 12 months of retainer wear, we recommend that you wear your retainers at nighttime indefinitely. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far.
Instructions For Your Retainer:
The retainer is either a fixed or removable appliance carefully designed to maintain the teeth in their corrected positions. It is important that it be worn according to instructions.
- Follow closely the instructions you have been given by Dr. Sherman and Dr. Balhoff on how to wear and care for your retainer.
- Wear the retainer at all times, (including sleeping hours), unless you have been specifically instructed otherwise. Remove the retainer when brushing teeth.
- The plastic taste to a new removable appliance will disappear soon and after two-three days, your speech will be completely normal with the appliance in place.
- Your new retainers may make your teeth sore for a day or two. After an adjustment you may experience soreness. If you have a localized sore spot after three or four days, please call the office so an adjustment can be made
- Clean any removable retainer by brushing with toothpaste and cold water. If you are wearing a lower fixed retainer, be extra careful to maintain excellent hygiene (flossing and brushing).
- Always bring your retainer to each appointment.
- Avoid flipping the retainer with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth.
- Place the retainer in the plastic case when it is re-moved from your mouth. Never wrap the retainer in a paper napkin or tissue. Someone may throw it away. Don't put it in your pocket or you may break or lose it.
- Excessive heat will warp and ruin the retainer.
- Additional charges will be made for lost or broken retainers. Therefore, please be careful.
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