Congratulations! Your braces are off! The goal of our orthodontic treatment was to provide you with a beautiful smile as well as place both the teeth and the jaws into their correct relationship. The purpose of the retainers is to stabilize and control your teeth in the new position not only while allowing the teeth, jaws, bone support, and muscles to fully adapt to the changes we’ve made, but also to maintain the results on a long-term basis. The retention phase of your treatment is just as important as your active phase of treatment. Your compliance is a very important part in maintaining the investment you have made in your beautiful smile and the time and effort you and our office have put into your orthodontic treatment.
*Please remember to bring your retainers to all appointments*
Permanence of Correction
Teeth can shift in everyone throughout life regardless of how well the teeth are aligned or whether an individual’s teeth are naturally or orthodontically straight. As we get older, our body continues to change and our teeth are no exception. Usually these changes will be within normal limits and should be expected. Continued wear of the retainers will minimize these long-term changes of the teeth. When retainers are not worn properly shifting can occur beyond these normal limits then costs for additional orthodontic treatment can occur.
Appliance Description
There are many kinds of retainers and each patient will be fitted with the kind that is best suited to their needs. Sometimes it may be necessary to change the type of retainer due to changing conditions in the mouth.
Retainer Wearing Time and Appointments
The appliances must be worn as prescribed by Dr. Klomparens and his staff. For the first four months, the retainers are only to be removed for eating, brushing, when playing contact sports, or possibly a musical instrument. Orthodontic treatment, along with retainers, are a life long investment. The phrase “Nothing is forever”, should be replaced with “Retainers are forever”!
- During the first 4 months you should wear your retainers 20 to 24 hours each day as instructed
- After 4 months retainers are usually worn 10 to 12 hours each day or otherwise as instructed by Dr. Klomparens
- After 12 months Dr. Klomparens will direct how much your retainers will need to be worn. He may prescribe one of the following: continued regular nighttime wear, limited nighttime wear (3 to 4 nights per week), or wear as needed
Post-Treatment Records/Wisdom teeth/General Dental Care
Final records will be taken at the completion of treatment to evaluate the results and the position of the wisdom teeth. You will receive a post-treatment letter with any recommendations regarding the wisdom teeth. Please contact your general dentist immediately after the braces are removed to have a thorough cleaning.
Fees During Retention
In most cases the initial retention appliances are included in the original treatment fee and we anticipate approximately 3 to 4 routine retention visits provided on a complimentary basis, generally falling within 18 to 20 months after the braces are removed. There will be charges associated with lost retainers, retainers needing repair, replacement retainers or additional orthodontic treatment needed due to lack of wear and excessive shifting, and any additional treatment due to excessive facial or jaw growth.
Care and Maintenance of Your Retainers
Please treat your retainers with the utmost care. Clean your retainers daily with a toothbrush. Do not place your retainer in hot water as this will warp the retainer. When your retainers are not in your mouth they should be in a safe place, preferably your retainer case. Do not leave your retainers lying around the house as pets love to chew on them, don’t wrap them in a napkin at a restaurant, or put them in your pocket. It is your responsibility to take care of your retainers. If for any reason your retainers are irritating your mouth, don’t try to adjust them yourself. Contact our office at (989) 631-9860 for an appointment.