Retention

From the day braces are removed your teeth may begin to shift...and they may continue to shift for the rest of your life.  Relapse is normal and is from the result of forces by soft tissues and wisdom teeth eruption and other biological changes.  The types of retainers below will keep relapse to a minimum.  Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far. Proper wear is required for long term stability.  Remember...retention is lifetime! Please wear your retainers as long as you want straight teeth :)

fixed

Fixed Retainers

Bonded lingual retainers are cemented directly to the inside/back surface of your teeth from canine to canine. This is one of the best ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting as it is permanently attached! Patients with bonded lingual retainers must be careful with their bite as the bonding material may break due to incorrect biting and cause teeth to shift quickly. As with braces, it is important to keep them clean by flossing regularly to prevent build-ups. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside/back of your lower teeth as well as the wire. Routine cleaning at the dentist is recommended to prevent tartar build-ups.

essix

Essix Retainer

The Essix retainer is a transparent removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of teeth. Similar to Invisalign® trays, Essix retainers have no wires. They are made of plastic and removable.  Since they are clear and removable, they can be easily misplaced or lost.


If your retainer breaks or missing please call us immediately to schedule an  appointment to get it repaired or replaced.