When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers. Remember to remove your retainers before brushing, and brush them before replacing them back in your mouth.
Retainers
Dr. Alexander uses three types of retainers to best meet your individual need for retention:
- Removable clear retainers that look like Invisalign Aligners.
- Removable retainers that have a wire on the outside of the teeth and colored or clear acrylic on the inside.
- Non-removable retainers that consist of a wire bonded to the inside of the teeth.
Removable retainers are fragile and costly to replace. You are given a special case for your retainers; please make sure you keep them in this case when not wearing them! To clean these retainers, follow the instructions given to you for the type of retainers that you have.
Your retainers should be worn at all times with the exception of eating and brushing your teeth. Your retainers should also be removed when participating in sports that require a mouthguard or while swimming. You will be instructed when you can reduce the time required to wear your retainers and will be given long-term instructions once your teeth are stable with the retainers being worn at night. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far!