Retainers

Once the appliances are removed, you will receive retainers to stabilize your teeth. The bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth are stabilizing for several months after braces are removed. It is IMPERATIVE that the retainers are worn as instructed. Failure to wear the retainers will result in undesirable movement of the teeth, which will necessitate re-treatment.

Teeth will continue to move throughout life. Individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy must wear retainers indefinitely. Full-time wear is prescribed for the first year.

After one year, the patient can wear the retainer just at night. OG Ortho will see you routinely post-treatment.

• Retainers are made of a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to excessive heat, so they should be kept away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards or any place where the temperatures exceed 115 degrees (Fº).
• Retainers should be kept in the proper retainer case when they are not in the patient’s mouth.
• Keep away from any family pets, as they like to chew on them.
• Clean before and after placement in the mouth. To clean your retainers, DO NOT use toothpaste, it is abrasive and will damage your retainers. Instead, brush your retainers with cool water before and after you wear them. If a more thorough cleanse is necessary, soak them in a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water for up to 15 minutes.

Retainers are worn for years and therefore will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after the braces are removed. If the retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, there will be a charge for replacement. If anything becomes loose or broken, contact our office immediately.

The fixed wire will protect your teeth. Please have this wire monitored by your family dentist at your six-month checkups.

• Mouth breathing
• Clenching and/or grinding of teeth (muscle hyperactivity)
• Tongue thrusting, low tongue posture or abnormal tongue posture
• Playing a musical instruments with a reed
• Lip sucking
• Pen or pencil biting
• Spacing between the teeth prior to treatment
• Severely rotated teeth
• Nail biting

Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.

The patient should continue with proper oral hygiene procedures at home, including thorough brushing and flossing techniques. Family dentist should be seen every 3 – 6 months for cleaning and dental examinations.