ORTHODONTICS
Retainers
Types of Retainers Overview
For a brief overview of the different types of retainers, please click on the image below. It will launch our flash educational module in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about different types of retainers.
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Once the active period is completed, your braces are removed. The next step is called retention. Your orthodontist will determine how long you need to wear your retainer. Time varies with each patient. Some people may need retainers for an extended period of time in order to eliminate shifting of the teeth. In some cases, permanent retention may be necessary.
The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected. Retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums, and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions. You must wear your retainer as instructed, otherwise your teeth may move toward their original positions and the benefit of wearing your braces will be lost.
Remember; wear them in your mouth, not in your pocket. Retainers work when you follow our instructions.
Clean your retainers! After meals, clean all parts of the retainer with a brush.
Handle your retainers with care. Retainers are easy to lose. If you take your retainers out, always place them in your retainer case for safety. Click here for more information on caring for your retainers.