Congratulations, you have reached a milestone in your orthodontic treatment.  Our patients begin the retention period of their orthodontic care when braces are removed.  This phase is both exciting and extremely important.  A period of time is needed to stabilize the entire mouth once the teeth have been moved into their desired positions.  The teeth must be retained in order to hold their new positions.  The soft tissues, surrounding bone, the tongue and lips must adapt to the new dental alignment. Up to this point it has been a team effort, but now the retention phase is up to “YOU.”

The braces will be removed at the completion of the active phase of orthodontic treatment.  You will be fitted for a lower fixed lingual retainer, a removable lower (clear) Essix retainer and a removable upper Essix retainer. 

An upper Hawley retainer will be fitted and placed approximately six weeks after the removal of the braces.  This upper retainer should be worn indefinitely at bedtime.  The retainer that has been bonded will also be worn indefinitely as long as there are no problems with oral hygiene.  This final retainer must be fitted within six weeks to ensure proper retention.  Your teeth may shift if retainers are not fitted within this time. This may result in the need for a new retainer and additional lab fees.

To maintain a beautiful smile:

• Wear your retainers as prescribed
• Do not let your retainers get damaged or bent (keep it in the case when not in the mouth)
• Do not leave your retainer within reach of  pets
• Call us for a repair appointment if your retainers are ever damaged or loose
• Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and a clear mouth rinse. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing
• Visit your general dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings

Wells Orthodontics will monitor the retainers for TWO years.  You will only need to be seen at your discretion after the two-year period. There will be an office fee applied for visits after the two-year retention period. Retainers do their best while in the mouth.  However, call our office immediately should a retainer become lost or broken.  This will require an appointment for an impression and a fee will be applied.  Retention is up to the patient, but please let us know if we can help in any way.