Retention
Orthodontist Palos Hills, IL
When your braces are taken off, the retention phase will begin. It is important to maintain your straight smile after treatment. Your final orthodontic results depend on your retainer, so be sure to follow through with care, even after your braces have been removed.
Types of Retainers:
- Clear Retainers – A removable, clear plastic tray that fits over your teeth.
- Traditional Retainers – A removable appliance made of acrylic and a wire that sits on the front side of your teeth.
- Bonded Retainer – A thin, fixed wire that is temporarily bonded to the lingual (tongue) side of the anterior teeth.
Dr. DiFranco will provide you with the best retainer option that is suited for your orthodontic treatment plan. All retainers should be worn as often as instructed to do so. Keep in mind that your teeth have been in active treatment for months or even years. Wearing your retainer right after treatment is crucial and should be worn for the appropriate amount of time each day as instructed.
Your retainer is an important part of completing your orthodontic work, so take care of it and it will take care of you. Regardless of whether it’s made of acrylic and wire or thermoplastic, the process of cleaning your device should be the same.
When it is not in your mouth, keep your retainer in its case. Bacteria and plaque also pose a significant threat to the life of your retainer. Bacteria can build up on it, just like they do on your teeth, making the apparatus less hygienic and affecting the fit. For theses reasons, regular cleaning is vital for retainer care.
When cleaning your retainer, you can brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You will also need to disinfect your retainer by soaking it in a denture solution. Thoroughly rinse your retainer with cold or room temperature water before placing it back in your mouth.
For more information about your retainer, please contact our Palos Hills orthodontist.
