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retention
RETAINERS
When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. Your final orthodontic result depends on you wearing your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far. The benefits of orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime if you keep these important patient responsibilities in mind:
REMOVEABLE RETAINERS
Once the active orthodontic appliances are removed, the patient will receive retainers to stabilize the dental correction. Because the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth are stabilizing for several months after braces are removed, it is imperative that the retainers are worn as instructed. Failure to wear the retainers may result in undesirable movement of the teeth, which could necessitate re-treatment.
HOW RETAINERS ARE WORN
Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we feel that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy should wear retainers indefinitely.
HAWLEY RETAINERS
Retainers keep your teeth in the proper position. Teeth will move throughout your lifetime, but wearing the retainers can limit this movement.
Wearing a retainer is easy, although it may take a few days to get used to. Talking may seem awkward at first, but in a day or two, you will adjust. Remember, the more you wear the retainers, the sooner you will get adjusted to them.
ESSIX RETAINERS
The Essix retainer is a state of the art retainer which is replacing the 70-year-old Hawley retainer (plastic with wire across the front teeth). The Essix retainer had been prescribed in your individual case based on pre and post-treatment tooth positions.
Advantages of Essix retainers:
• Adult professionals
• People
• Virtually invisible
• Removable
• Less interference with speech
• Esthetically superior
• Ease of cleaning
• Minimal bulk
• Night time wear only
• 3-dimensional control of teeth
BONDED RETAINERS
A bonded retainer is a wire that is permanently attached to the back of the patient's teeth. This wire should stay on forever. The only exception is if the patient's family dentist says that they are not keeping it clean and it is beginning to cause gum or bone problems. If this should occur, please have the wire removed and replace it with a removable retainer. The removable retainer should then be worn as your Orthodontist at Seuss Orthodontics prescribes. The fixed wire will protect the teeth as the patient gets older and the facial muscles get tighter. Please have this wire monitored by your family dentist at your six-month hygiene visits.
CARING FOR YOUR RETAINERS:
There are two places for your retainers
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YOUR MOUTH
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Your Retainer Case – If you do not have your case, do not take the retainer out of your mouth. Never wrap retainers in a napkin, you may forget it’s there, and it will be tossed in a trash bin. Do not put retainers in your pocket without being in the case.
Retainers are sensitive to heat - Do not leave in the car or on top of a stereo or television. Do not clean with hot water, use cool water. Retainers will withstand heat from food and drinks while in your mouth.
Pets love retainers - If you have a pet, especially a dog, keep retainers and cases in a drawer where pets cannot reach.
Do not get in the habit of flipping your retainers with your tongue.
CLEANING YOUR RETAINERS:
Thoroughly rinse retainers with cool tap water as soon as you remove them from your mouth. Clean your retainers every time you brush your teeth.
You may want to soak them in mouthwash. Using a denture cleanser occasionally also works great. Do not use hot water. Do not use a toothbrush or toothpaste; this will scratch your Essix retainers!
****BRING YOUR RETAINERS TO ALL OF YOUR APPOINTMENTS****
Retainers must be worn for two days full time and then at least every night.
If for some reason you cannot wear your retainer or break it, call the office immediately!
Do not wait until your scheduled appointment.
Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.