When we remove your braces, we will begin an extremely important phase of orthodontic treatment, the retention phase. This involves the wearing of retainers or positioners. The purpose of these appliances is to help ‘retain’ the teeth in their corrected position, or in other words, to help prevent or minimize tooth movement back to where your teeth were prior to starting treatment.

The formal retention period extends for approximately 2 years after your braces are removed. 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 and must take place through the year. We do not expect your teeth to stay exactly the way we placed them. In particular, you may notice changes in the alignment of the lower front teeth. These changes are natural and occur even in people who have not had orthodontic treatment and had straight teeth to begin with.

It will be imperative that you attend your ‘retention checks’ throughout the retention period.

It is important that your retention appliance(s) be monitored on a regular basis; approximately every 3 – 6 months following the initial one month check. Make sure you bring you retainer(s) to each appointment. Please remember that the responsibility for wearing the retainer and keeping your retention appointment lies with you. In essence, you are now in control of the final outcome of your treatment. If you choose to not wear your retainer or attend your retainer check appointments, your teeth may move back to a position where further active treatment (braces) is required for correction. The original treatment fee does not cover the cost of retreatment.

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 brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.