Retention & Relapse

Relapse

Relapse refers to the movement of teeth back to their original positions after your braces have been removed. Ideally, your teeth should remain stable after the retention period; however, there are many factors that are not in our control. When it comes to relapse, few common reasons include periodontal (gum) disease, mouth breathing, and harmful tongue or oral habits. NOT WEARING YOUR REATINERS PROPERLY CAN ALSO LEAD TO RELAPSE.

Retention

When we remove your braces, you will enter the "Retention" stage of your treatment. This is the "holding stage" of your treatment and is more important than the "active" or braces stage of your treatment. Retainers are designed to retain or hold your teeth in their corrected position. Removable retainers are worn on a full time (24/7) basis for up to one year. You can remove your retainers for brushing, eating and contact sports. Bonded (glued-in) retainers are worn for 5-10 years then it is up to you whether you want them removed or not.

After the first year you can start to initiate a part time schedule for wearing your retainers. Start by wearing your retainers just at bedtime. If you notice that your retainers are getting tight, you need to add a few more hours a day that you wear them. Remember to listen to your teeth, they will let you know if you are wearing your retainers often enough.

In order to maintain your smile for life you should wear your retainers at least a few nights a week indefinitely. Retainers are for life.

Our office will schedule appointments one month, three months, six months, one year and two years after your braces are removed. This allows us to monitor your retainers and let you know if your teeth are shifting.

You will be charged a fee for repair or replacement of lost, damaged, or ill fitting retainers.

How Do I Take Care of My Retainer?

1. Never wrap the retainers in tissues, paper towels or napkins without the retainer case.
2. Never put your retainers in your pocket, purse, or backpack without the retainer case.
3. Never put your retainer where a dog can reach it. They love to chew them!!
4. Never place your retainer in hot water, boiling water or in the dishwasher.
5. Never leave your retainers where they can be exposed to direct sunlight or in a hot car.

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