Caring For Your Smiles After Braces

Caring for your smile does not stop when your braces come off. Your retainer is a KEY component to your orthodontic treatment.

Retainers are typically worn full time for 8 weeks following the removal of braces, followed by indefinite nightwear for the rest of your life. Maintaining your beautiful new smile requires wearing your retainers as directed. Your teeth will begin to move, even if the movements are minor, if retainers are not worn as directed. Sometimes, movements are large enough, correction can only be made with braces. Sometimes, if the movement is minor, correction can be make with a retainer.

Retainers will be tightest within the first few days of wearing them. This is to be expected. However, if you experience any discomfort, please call the office immediately rather than stop wearing them.

Because of their removable nature, it may be easy to misplace your appliance. When your retainer is not in your mouth, place it in the plastic retainer case. Never put the retainer in a napkin. And always remember to keep out of reach of pets.