Your Clear Retainer

When your braces have been removed we will give you a retainer to keep your teeth straight. After your first post-treatment check-up, we will only need to see you every six months. If you have any difficulty with your retainer, please call us and we will see you as soon as possible.

Why Do I Need a Retainer?

There are two reasons that we give all of our patients retainers. The first reason is that the teeth are held in the bone by ligaments that are elastic and have "memory". The teeth remember their original crooked positions and want to go back to that position. This is called relapse.

The second reason is that we all get older and as we age, the teeth tend to shift. This happens to most people regardless of whether they have ever had braces or not. Retainers are not a guarantee that your teeth will never move. Remember, we all age, even your teeth. Orthodontic treatment can straighten the teeth but we cannot prevent you from aging.

However, the retainer will keep the teeth as straight as possible and help minimize both the orthodontic relapse as well as the aging changes. Leaving the retainers out for even a short period of time can allow the teeth to shift, even years after the braces are removed.

Special Points to Remember

• This custom-made removable appliance is an important part of your orthodontic treatment.
• The unique design of this type of retainer allows you the freedom to wear it only when you are sleeping - every night. Please keep it in your retainer case during the day. This will prevent it from getting lost or broken.
• To clean it, use liquid dishwashing soap and a toothbrush, which you use only for your retainer. Heating your retainer in any way will cause it to become distorted.
• If you lose or break your retainer, please call us right away. Unfortunately, there will be a replacement fee to cover the lab and material costs.
• These clear retainers don't last forever. They will need to be replaced from time to time when they get worn out.

Please remember that this is the most important part of your whole treatment. We can straighten your teeth but only you can make sure that they stay straight!

Show off your new smile!