Getting the teeth straight is half the battle and keeping them straight is the other half. This is where cooperation is so important. When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for quite a long time. We start off with regular daily retainer wear. If you do not wear the retainers as directed, the teeth may not stay as straight as they are now. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and to clean your retainers before placing them back in your mouth. Don’t use toothpaste, just mild dishwashing liquid and a toothbrush reserved for the retainer. Retainers are worn as long as you want to keep your teeth straight, another words for life.
Dr. Brad has a lower fixed retainer and will NEVER take it out.
Do NOT put your retainer in HOT water. Ever.
