Retention Phase
When we remove your braces, we begin the retention phase of your treatment. As part of this final phase of treatment, we will schedule "retainer check" appointments for the first year after your braces and orthodontic appliances are removed. We monitor the position of your teeth as well as the fit of your retainers. It is very important to attend these appointments and to bring your retainers with you to each visit.
It is normal for teeth to be slightly mobile when orthodontic appliances are first removed. Retainers hold the teeth in their new positions while the bone stabilizes around the roots. Remember to remove your retainers before brushing, and brush your retainers before placing them back into your mouth.
If at any time post-orthodontic treatment you lose your retainers, they break, or just aren't fitting properly, please call our office to schedule an appointment with one of our Treatment Coordinators. You worked hard and made a great investment in a beautiful new smile and we want to be sure you have the tools you need to maintain it!
Why is retention necessary?
Retention is arguably one of the most important phases of your orthodontic treatment. Why is retention a necessary? Because your teeth can move again after braces are removed. Why does this movement or relapse occur? There are actually 2 reasons for relapse:
Short-term relapse (less than one year after treatment): Relapse during this time is primarily caused by elastic fibers that are part of your gum tissue. The teeth are connected to both the bone and soft tissues (gums) by many different types of fibers. After orthodontic treatment, most of those fibers reorganize and stretch to accommodate the new position of the tooth. However, some of the fibers still “remember” the previous position of the tooth, especially if the tooth started out very rotated. So, for some patients, it may only take a few days without wearing retainers for the teeth to get “crooked” again. Generally speaking, it takes about a year or so for all of the fibers to finish reorganizing into the post-orthodontic position of the teeth. Therefore, it is very important for patients to be diligent with their retainer wear during that first year, while the teeth are still susceptible to adverse movement. Those patients that follow our recommended guidelines for retainer wear will find that they have fewer problems with their teeth shifting in future years than those that do not wear their retainers much during that first year.
Longer –term relapse (more than one year after treatment): Relapse more than one year after treatment can occur because our bodies are always changing throughout life. As we age, teeth naturally shift to the middle and crowd. What actually causes crowding of the lower front teeth is what we call late mandibular growth. What this means is that the lower jaw grows with the body and this can lead to growth up to age 17+ for girls and 21+ for boys. As the lower jaw grows, the teeth will move to accommodate the new position of the jaw. This is why we encourage younger patients to continue wear ing their retainers during the late teenage years. In addition, during the adult aging process, teeth will shift subtly over time. Therefore, periodic use of retainers after the first year following orthodontic treatment is important in order to maintain your smile for years and years.
Types of Retainers
Bonded
Bonded lingual retainers are cemented directly to the inside surface teeth. This is one of the best ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting as it is permanently attached! Patients with bonded lingual retainers must be careful with their bite as the bonding material may break due to incorrect biting and cause teeth to shift quickly. As with removable retainers, it is important to keep them clean. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside surface of your teeth as well as the wire.
If your retainer breaks at any time during treatment, please do not adjust it yourself. Call us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.
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Hawley
The Hawley retainer, one of the most common types, is a removable retainer made of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic, and is designed to keep your teeth in place. This retainer is specially made from impressions of your teeth so that it fits snugly and comfortably in the roof of your mouth, while any wire or acrylic framing keeps your teeth in perfect position. The acrylic can also be personalized with a large number of colors and/or patterns.
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Essix
The Essix retainer is a transparent removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of teeth. Similar to Invisalign trays, Essix retainers have no wires. They are inexpensive and easier to wear. They can be used for other treatments as well, including tooth movement and bridges.
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