YOU MADE IT!
Congratulations! You are out of active orthodontic treatment and have a beautiful
smile! However, one final step is critical to maintaining the improvement that has
been made: RETENTION.
Using the retainers as we have instructed is critical to protect your investment
in your new smile. Proper retainer wear will stabilize your teeth in place to help
secure them in their new positions.
Here are four tips for effective retainer use:
• WEAR THEM
Initially, your retainers must be worn ALL THE TIME except when you eat or
when you brush your teeth. Typically, retainers are worn full-time (day and
night) for at least 4 weeks, but this will vary from patient to patient. Any change
in wear needs to be decided by Dr. Lemery or Dr. Eng.
• KEEP THEM CLEAN
Brush your retainers just like your teeth, with a toothbrush, after every meal.
If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth and retainers thoroughly with water.
• WATCH WHAT YOU EAT
If you are wearing a bonded retainer (wire glued on the inside of your teeth),
please use the same caution with hard and sticky foods as you did with your
braces.
• DON’T LOSE OR BREAK THEM
The easiest way to avoid losing your retainers is simply by keeping them in
your mouth. They should always be worn as instructed or kept safe in the case
provided. Otherwise they can be lost, sat on, thrown away in a napkin, etc.
There will be additional charges if your retainers are lost or broken. Please call
us if your retainer is lost or broken so you don’t give your teeth a chance to
move.
Please give us a call if you ever have any questions or concerns.
Congratulations again! You‘ve worked long and hard getting that smile.
Stay with it – you’ll be glad you did!