Retention
We don’t want your teeth to move after all that!
When we remove your braces or Invisalign®, you will begin the retention stage of your treatment. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so it is important that you wear them. Retainers are worn full time for the first month after your braces or Invisalign® are removed. Then depending upon the type of retainers you are wearing, Dr. Frankowitz will let you know when you can switch to nighttime retainer wear. Nighttime retainer wear is forever. If you don't want your teeth to move, wear your retainers! You must be very careful when handling your retainers, as they are fragile and costly to replace. You will be given a special case for your retainers. Please be sure to keep your retainers in the case when you are not wearing them. Remember to remove your retainers before brushing and clean your retainers as well.
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. You should brush the Essix retainers with a mild dish soap or hand soap (not lemon or citrus which can scratch). You can also clean them with special retainer cleaner or denture cleaner. Essix retainers are usually worn full time for one month and then to bed only.
Traditional Removable Retainer
Traditional removable retainers are called Hawley or wraparound retainers. They are made of plastic and wires. To clean these retainers, brush them with a toothbrush and toothpaste using cold water. You can also use a special retainer cleaner or denture cleaner. Your retainers should be worn at all times with the exception of eating and brushing your teeth. Your retainer should also be removed when participating in sports that require a mouthguard or while swimming. With these retainers we typically ask you to wear them in the house, awake and sleeping, for at least 6 months. After 6 months of full-time in-house wear, we may revise your retention treatment, allowing the retainer to be worn to bed only.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainer
Sometimes Dr. Frankowitz decides that a patient needs a fixed (bonded) or glued in retainer. Cleaning around these can be difficult and requires threader floss or a floss threader. If teeth are not cleaned properly around the fixed retainer, cavities or gum disease may develop. The other issue is that a fixed retainer can break. Dr. Frankowitz usually makes a removable retainer to fit over the fixed retainer so that there is a removable “back-up” retainer in case the fixed retainer breaks.
Complimentary Consultation
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