When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. THE RETENTION PHASE OF YOUR TREATMENT LASTS FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! Your ultimate orthodontic result depends on how well you wear your retainers! Teeth shift throughout life, even after having braces, so it is important for you to wear your retainers to prevent this shifting from occurring. Your retainers will "retain" the smile you had on the day you got your braces off, so be sure to follow through with your retainer wear to keep the smile that you have worked so hard for!
Retianer Care
Remember to remove your retainer while eating and before brushing. Also, brush your retainer with WARM water before placing it back in your mouth. (PLEASE DO NOT USE HOT WATER TO CLEAN RETAINERS, BECAUSE HOT WATER CAN DISTORT THE PLASTIC PARTS OF THE RETAINER!) You must be very careful when handling your retainers, as they are fragile and costly to replace. You are given a special case for your retainer; please make sure you keep them in this case when not wearing it! The case that we give you will help to prevent accidentally crushing or throwing away your retainers.
Retainer Wear
At first, your retainers should be worn at all times with the exception of eating and brushing your teeth. Your retainer should also be removed when participating in sports that require a mouthguard or while swimming. After a few months of full-time wear, Dr. Austin will revise your retention recommendations, allowing the retainer to be worn only at night.
Remember...since teeth tend to shift thoroughout life, the beauty of your smile depends on the diligent wearing of your retainers. Therefore, you must be sure to continue to wear your retiners as Dr Austin directs you to in order to maintain the smile that you have worked so hard for!