Retainers
After Braces
After the braces are removed, retainers are needed to hold the teeth in their new positions until the bone has had a chance to build up around the teeth in their new positions. The “retention phase” of treatment is as important as the “braces phase”. Good cooperation during this part of orthodontic treatment is very important and will determine the permanence of our result.
The upper retainer is removable. Most of the time it is only necessary to wear this retainer at night. The upper retainer must be worn EVERY night for the first year. During the first year, the teeth are somewhat loose and can move on their own very quickly. If the upper retainer is not worn for a night or two, it is possible for the teeth to move enough that the retainer will not fit. If this happens, it may be necessary to use braces again. PLEASE don’t let this happen! We make two retainers so that if one is lost, you don’t have to go a night without a retainer.
Most often the retainer for the lower teeth is a wire that is bonded on the inside of the six lower front teeth. This wire is commonly left in place for at least 6-8 years. At some time in the future you may want the lower retainer removed. When a lower retainer is removed, we will make you a removable retainer similar to the upper one which should be tried in periodically to maintain alignment.
We check retainers 2 months after the braces have been removed and again after 6 months. At the 1 year anniversary of removing your braces we will take an impression of your teeth and make a final retainer. It is important to make these appointments when you leave our office, so you don’t forget about us.
After the first year of wearing retainers you will be a Just Orthodontics graduate. Teeth should be stable in their new positions and at that time you can begin wearing your retainer less often. If the retainer is tight, it needs to be worn. Over time you will find yourself wearing your retainer less and less. It is important to continue trying in this retainer periodically to make sure it fits. It has been the experience of the orthodontic profession that in most cases about 90% of the correction is maintained. Any changes in tooth positions after this time are due to natural aging adaptations.