The retention phase is a critical milestone. When you’re ready for an orthodontic retainer, the slow, difficult work of moving teeth is over.
Your smile looks extraordinary, but stay with the program.
There is still a lot going on behind the scenes—under the gums. Your jawbone, muscles, and soft tissues are adapting. This takes a while.
What is a Retainer?
A retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps teeth preserve their new position after orthodontic treatment. Retainers may be removable or fixed in the mouth.
Patients who neglect to wear their retainer are at risk. Their beautifully-aligned teeth may shift. If your bite was corrected during treatment, it may revert back to the original condition.
Follow Dr. West’s Recommendations
Your dentist will prescribe a schedule for wearing your retainer. Your orthodontic treatment plan is unique. It may differ from that of other patients.
What If I Lose My Retainer?
Occasionally, patients lose their retainer. If this happens, contact Boulder County Smiles promptly for a replacement. We understand that life can get hectic. We urge you not to let weeks pass without getting a replacement retainer.
We teach our patients how to care for their retainer. It’s helpful if parents reinforce this training at home for their kids undergoing treatment.
Keep Your Retainer Clean
After eating, clean the retainer with a toothbrush. Brush it carefully with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You can use denture cleaner frequently for a deeper clean.
If your teenager has a cell phone, set an alert to remind them to clean their retainer. While you’re at it, set an alert reminding them to keep the retainer in its case when not in use.
Keep Your New Smile Clean!
If it’s essential to clean your retainer, it’s no surprise that it’s even more important to clean your beautiful new smile. It will be easier now that the braces are off.
Practice daily dental hygiene. This includes brushing after meals and flossing at least once a day. Flossing and brushing before bed ensures that particles of food don’t sit on teeth all night. For extra cavity prevention, use a fluoride rinse before going to sleep. Saliva is necessary to neutralize acids and rinse bits of food off of teeth.
Contact Boulder County Smiles:
303-665-5335
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026
