RETENTION
When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 12 months. 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 brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
Retainer Instructions
Congratulations!
You did it! The active portion of your orthodontic treatment is complete. The next step is to stabilize your beautiful result.
Here's what you need to know:
- Wear your retainers a minimum of 21 hours a day. Remove them only for eating, brushing, swimming or playing a wind instrument. After 6 months of full time wear Dr. Shaw will re-evaluate for reduced wear. Retainer wear should become a lifetime habit!
- With time and practice you will get used to talking with your retainers in place.
- Always keep your retainers in the case provided if they are not in your mouth.
- Pets love to chew on retainers.
- Retainers are easily lost, broken or thrown away if wrapped in a napkin, tissue, etc. or put in a pocket, purse or backpack.
- Do not "click" your retainers in and out with your tongue. This will damage your appliance!
- Avoid heat sources (hot water / drinks / hot car seats / dashboards /etc.) as they will distort your retainers.
- Clean your retainers every time you brush your teeth. Over time a "chalky" white build up may occur on the underside of your retainers. Soak in white vinegar for ˝ hour to loosen, then brush as usual.
- If you lose or break your retainers please call as soon as possible to make an appointment. Your smile is at risk if you wait. There is a fee to replace/repair them.
