After full orthodontic treatment is completed and the braces are removed, the Retention stage of treatment begins. During the Retention phase, patients do not have regular visits to the office like they did during active orthodontic treatment. Dr. Wilson asks to see patients back for periodic retainer check appointments; usually in three-and six-month intervals.
The final orthodontic result depends on how regularly retainers are worn. Without retainers, teeth tend to try and shift back to their natural, crooked positions. Dr. Wilson does not accept responsibility for a patient who fails to wear his or her retainers following treatment. Once in retention, it is up to you to wear retainers diligently to keep your smile looking beautiful.
Dr. Wilson recommends how often retainers need to be worn for each individual patient, but the general rule of thumb is full time for three months immediately following the removal of braces and night time only after your first retainer check-up to our office. Retainers should be worn indefinitely in order to prevent teeth from shifting.
Retainers should be brushed every day as part of a regular brushing and flossing routine. Retainers should always be removed before brushing the teeth. They should be brushed with toothpaste and cold water before being placed back in the mouth. Warm or hot water should never be used to clean retainers because it can distort their shape. Products such as Polident, Efferdent or other denture-cleaning tablets are too harsh and can damage retainers and should also be avoided.
Please see our Oral Hygiene page for more detailed information.
After full orthodontic treatment is completed and the braces are removed, the Retention stage of treatment begins. During the Retention phase, patients do not have regular visits to the office like they did during active orthodontic treatment. Dr. Wilson asks to see patients back for periodic retainer check appointments; usually in three-and six-month intervals.
The final orthodontic result depends on how regularly retainers are worn. Without retainers, teeth tend to try and shift back to their natural, crooked positions. Dr. Wilson does not accept responsibility for a patient who fails to wear his or her retainers following treatment. Once in retention, it is up to you to wear retainers diligently to keep your smile looking beautiful.
Dr. Wilson recommends how often retainers need to be worn for each individual patient, but the general rule of thumb is full time for three months immediately following the removal of braces and night time only after your first retainer check-up to our office. Retainers should be worn indefinitely in order to prevent teeth from shifting.
Retainers should be brushed every day as part of a regular brushing and flossing routine. Retainers should always be removed before brushing the teeth. They should be brushed with toothpaste and cold water before being placed back in the mouth. Warm or hot water should never be used to clean retainers because it can distort their shape. Products such as Polident, Efferdent or other denture-cleaning tablets are too harsh and can damage retainers and should also be avoided.
Please see our Oral Hygiene page for more detailed information.