Now that you have completed orthodontic treatment, look at the retention phase as an ongoing and necessary part of maintaining that new beautiful smile! Orthodontic treatment does not end when you have your braces removed or stop wearing your Invisalign® aligners. Your teeth are always moving to some degree, so if you want to maintain your new, beautiful results, you will need to wear your retainers every day. Dr. Yazji will create a customized orthodontic retainer after your treatment to maintain your beautifully aligned smile.
Fixed retainers are permanent retainers. For patients that select this option, Dr Yazji will bond a thin wire to the back of your teeth, typically on the lower front teeth, where the wire is not visible. Because they are fixed in place, they provide constant pressure to keep teeth in the proper alignment. Patients with fixed retainers don’t need to remember to wear them because they are always working! However, they do require extra care as they can be a little more difficult to keep clean between the bonded wire and the teeth.
Removable retainers are typically made of acrylic or clear plastic and are custom-fitted to the shape of the patient’s mouth. They are designed to be taken out for eating, brushing and flossing, which makes them easier to keep clean. It is important that patients remember to wear their removable retainer consistently for it to be effective, as lack of compliance may result in teeth shifting. Take care to store them correctly when they are removed to prevent misplacement or damage.
At Smarter Orthodontics by Dr. Maria Yazji, we make retention easy with our Smile Legacy Retainer Program. Due to regular wear and tear from daily use, your retainers will need to be replaced every so often. Losing them is another reason you might need to replace them. When you join the program at the conclusion of your orthodontic treatment, you receive: