Orthodontic Retention
Grand Rapids, MI Orthodontists
No one wants to complete orthodontic treatment only for their teeth to shift back into misalignment. To prevent unwanted movement, you will be instructed to wear a for as often as directed. The retention phase may seem like a bothersome extra step, but it ensures you keep the beautiful smile you and our Grand Rapids orthodontists worked hard to create.
Learn more about the importance of orthodontic retention following Phase 2 orthodontics below.
What Is Retention?
Depending on your orthodontic needs, your treatment may contain multiple phases for maximum effectiveness. One of those, retention, begins once you are done wearing your metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners and unlike other phases, does not have a set end date.
What we mean by this is that your teeth will try to move out of place over time and to prevent this, a custom orthodontic retainer will need to be worn periodically.
The orthodontic retention process is designed to keep your teeth in proper alignment after your stainless steel, ceramic, or LightForce 3D printed brackets are removed. The same applies when your Invisalign® treatment is complete. It’s less about working to straighten crooked teeth and more about maintaining what was created during treatment.
Our orthodontists will fit you for a custom retainer after braces are removed or you’ve reached the last set of aligners in your series. We’ll also instruct you on when to wear the device and how to keep it clean.
How Long Do I Need to Wear a Retainer After Treatment?
The two major factors in the retention phase are length and frequency. When our orthodontists first give you your retainer, you will need to wear it day and night following active treatment, only taking it out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. If the retainer is not worn as prescribed, progress made up to this point may be lost.
Every patient is different so our orthodontists will let you know when you can begin to wear your retainer less. At each checkup appointment, we will examine your teeth and retainer to make sure all is going as planned. If your smile continues to maintain proper alignment, you will eventually only need to wear your retainer at night.
Caring For Your Retainer
Just as you kept your teeth clean during treatment, the same attention will need to be applied to your retainer. If left alone, your retainer can accumulate plaque and bacteria on its surfaces. Prevent this from happening by gently brushing the device with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Stick to using cool or lukewarm water (never hot or boiling) when cleaning your retainer and keep it in the designated case when not in use. If your retainer becomes broken, lost, or does not fit, please inform our orthodontists immediately and we can determine next steps.
Make an Appointment Today
Our orthodontists in Grand Rapids, MI, want you to enjoy your new smile without fear that your teeth will shift out of place. A custom-made retainer worn regularly will do just that and help you maintain what took months to create. Request an appointment today by calling Miller Orthodontics at (616) 942-9320.
Read Our Blogs About Retainers:
- Why an Orthodontic Retainer Is Important
- Retainer Relapse: What It Is & How to Prevent It
- Braces Coming Off? Here’s What to Expect
