Douglas Peyton, DDS, MS | Des Moines Orthodontics  
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Retainers

 

When braces are removed from the teeth, patients enter the retention and observation phase of orthodontic treatment. This portion of orthodontic treatment is just as important as the tooth movement phase in determining the success of your treatment.

The retention and observation phase of orthodontic treatment usually lasts for at least two years. Unless you loose or break a retainer, there is no additional fee for this service. As time goes by we will schedule appointments less and less frequently and reduce the amount of time the retainer should be worn.

Your retainers are designed to perform a vital role in your overall treatment, they stabilize the teeth so that the surrounding bone and gum tissue can conform to the new dental alignment. Wearing your retainer as instructed is the best way to preserve that healthy, beautiful smile you worked so hard to get!

Retainer instructions:

  • Wear your retainer as instructed by the doctor.
  • Take your retainer out when eating and always put it in its case. Most retainers are lost when they are taken out to eat and get thrown away. You can occasionally eat with the retainer in, but make sure to rinse and clean it as soon as you can.
  • Clean the retainer thoroughly at least once each day with your toothbrush and toothpaste. Brushing removes plaque and offensive odors. Commercial cleansers, like Efferdent, can be used, but aren't a substitute for brushing.
  • Wherever the retainer isn't being worn, it should be kept in its case.
  • Keep retainers away from pets. They like to chew on them.
  • Initially, wearing a retainer may make speaking clearly more difficult. Practicing speaking, reading, or singing out loud will help you adapt more quickly.
  • Do not wear the retainer when swimming.
  • Do not let your retainer get too hot. They are made of acrylic and can warp.
  • If a retainer is lost or broken, call our office immediately. Please bring any pieces with you to your appointment so that we can determine if it can be repaired or not.
  • Retainers are expensive, but with care they can last for years.

Retainers are worn after braces have been removed to hold the teeth straight and prevent them from moving back to their original positions. Two years of supervision while wearing retainers is also included as part of your orthodontic treatment. Typically, retainers are worn 24 hours per day right after the braces are removed and can be worn less as time goes by. Continued long term retainer wear is an important step in maintaining the beautiful smile you have achieved!

     
       
oines Orthodontics
  Des Moines Orthodontics
22221 7th Avenue South, Des Moines WA 98198
p: 206.824.8288
f: 206.824.3859
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