Retention

Once your braces are removed, we will begin an extremely important phase of orthodontic treatment, the retention phase. This involves the wearing of positioners or retainers. These appliances help hold or retain the teeth in their correct position to prevent tooth movement to its original position. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 24 months. The length of this period may vary, and is somewhat dependent upon when growth is complete.  

Lost or broken retainers will necessitate a charge for new retainers.

A word about the “permanence” of tooth correction; as we use our teeth following the removal of braces, there will be some adaptive changes that will take place throughout the year. We do not expect your teeth to stay exactly the way we placed them. These changes are natural and occur even in people who have not had orthodontic treatment and had straight teeth to begin with.

It is imperative that you attend your ‘retention checks’ every 3 – 6 months throughout the retention period.

Please bring your retainer(s) to each appointment. It is your responsibility to wear your retainer, safeguard your retainer and keep your retainer appointments. If you do not wear your retainer, your teeth may move back to their original position and further treatment will be required.  The original treatment fee does not cover re-treatment.

Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing and flossing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.