When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 6-12 months and your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far.
There are a variety of retainers that can be used and Dr. Wood will determine which type will be best for you. Each patient is different; however, in many cases the patient may be given a choice of what type of retainer they may prefer.
Removable retainers may be the more traditional type composed of a hard plastic (acrylic) and wires. Another type of removable retainer may be translucent (clear) and almost undetectable. The clear retainers are the more popular type due to their comfort, ease of wear, and translucency.
Remember to remove your retainer before brushing and brush or rinse your retainer before placing it back in your mouth. You must be very careful when handling your retainers, as they are fragile and costly to replace. You are given a special case for your retainer; please make sure you keep them in this case when not wearing them! When you receive your retainers you will be given specific instructions on how to maintain them and keep them clean.
Your retainers should be worn as instructed by Dr. Wood and should also be removed when participating in sports that require a mouthguard or while swimming.
Bonded retainers are glued to the back side of your teeth and offer a distinct advantage over removable retainers, which is, you always know where they are! A metal wire or clear fiber is glued to the back of the teeth and these, as with any type of retainer, will require some special care and maintenance. Bonded retainers can usually be fitted on the bottom teeth and sometimes the top teeth. Each patient is different and Dr. Wood can determine if bonded retainers are right for you.
Bonded retainers are sometimes called permanent retainers, however this is misleading because sometimes they will breakdown or break off, therefore needing repair or replacement.
Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far.