Once your braces are removed the retention phase of your treatment begins.
Retainers are used to stabilize your teeth, allowing your gums and muscles time to adapt to the new teeth positions. It is important to wear your retainer as Dr. Igel instructs. Otherwise, your teeth may shift back to their original positions, resulting in lost treatment time and money.
Once you start wearing retainers, you will continue office visits for two years. This does not mean that after two years, you will stop wearing retainers. Dr. Igel suggests you wear your retainers as long as you want to keep your teeth straight.
When it is time to brush your teeth, remove your retainer and clean it before placing it back in your mouth or case.
Please remember to:
- Place your retainer in its case when you are not wearing it.
- Keep your retainer clean! After meals, clean all parts of the retainer with a brush.
- Handle your retainers with care because they are easy to lose. Never place it on your lunch tray, leave it in a hot car or leave it where your pet can get it and chew it.
Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far.
Retainer Guidelines
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