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Retention
Removing braces or ending Invisalign® signals the
start of the “retention and observation” period
of orthodontic care. Please remember that this part
of your orthodontic treatment is just as important as
the active movement phase, or the time when you were
in braces or Invisalign®. Remaining diligent about
your oral health (wearing your retainers on a regular
basis) will be helpful in determining the ultimate success
of your treatment. Once the teeth have been moved into
their desired positions, a period of time is needed
to stabilize the teeth so that the surrounding bone
and soft tissue can conform to your new dental alignment.
In other words, that smile and bite need some time to
get used to where they are; be careful and diligent
in taking care of them.
Patients in the retention phase are seen periodically
in our office during the first two years after braces
are removed or Invisalign® is completed. Patients
will continue to see Dr. Gladwell throughout this two
year period. It is then the patient’s responsibility
to wear his or her retainer, as prescribed. Typically,
a removable retainer is worn full time for the first
6 months, and then at night only. However, a bonded
retainer may be used on the inside of the lower front
teeth and, in some cases, on the inside of the upper
front teeth. This bonded retainer, which is permanently
attached, is designed to allow for easy flossing and
brushing and can be worn indefinitely. This bonded retainer
may or may not be removed; if it is, a removable retainer
will be provided.
Please call our office if you have any questions or
concerns regarding your retainer (for example, lost
retainer, broken retainer, loose retainer, painful retainer,
retainer eaten by pet, retainer flushed down the toilet,
retainer thrown away at lunch, etc.).
For lasting success from orthodontic treatment:
- Wear your retainer as prescribed.
- Don’t let your retainer
become distorted, bent, or otherwise damaged.
- Call for a repair appointment
if your retainer is damaged or loosened.
- Keep your retainer clean and
floss regularly.
- Keep your retainer in its case
when not being worn.
- Be committed to maintaining
your beautiful smile
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