Typical retainers at the end of full treatment – upper and lower clears and bonded lower lingual retainer.

If we did not make an effort to retain the teeth following orthodontic movement, they would tend to move back to their original positions. Teeth have amazing memories! Length of time the teeth must be retained varies with each individual. The average patient must be retained for about two years. Often the latter part of the retention period will require retainer wear only while sleeping.

Upon completion of certain types of cases, we find it is wise to use a rubber or plastic mouthpiece called a finishing appliance.

By making minor corrections on the plaster molds of your teeth, taken when appliances are removed, we are able to make subtle changes in their positions. The appliance is worn in the mouth to gently massage the teeth into a finer relationship.

A positioner, used between the first and second phase and at the end of full treatment.

It has been our experience that retainers are not broken and certainly cannot be lost while in the mouth. Find a safe place to keep it. However, should it become lost or broken, please notify our office immediately so that we can replace it as soon as possible. Should this become necessary, we reserve the right to make an additional charge.

retainer WEAR

UPPER RETAINER

Your upper retainer is a removable appliance designed to maintain your teeth in their correct position.

• Initially retainers are worn half day and all night Eventually the retainer only has to be worn at night, as determined by Dr. David Ray.
• The retainer’s plastic taste will disappear quickly, and your speech will return to normal after a few days.
• Soreness will leave in a few days, even after adjustments. If you have a localized sore spot after three days, call us for an appointment.
• Don’t flip the retainer with your tongue—this could damage your teeth.

LOWER RETAINER

Your lower retainer is a fixed and removable appliance. Follow the same instructions as for the upper retainer.

FIXED LOWER RETAINER

In a fixed lower retainer, a wire is attached to the inside of your lower front teeth. It will remain in your mouth permanently or until your wisdom teeth have erupted normally or have been removed.

Current studies suggest wearing retainers through the early 20’s, or for some, even indefinitely.

retainer CARE in westerville, ohio

REMOVABLE RETAINERS

Clean the retainer by brushing it with soap and occasionally clean it with denture cleanser, using warm (not hot) water. When it’s not in your mouth, keep the retainer in a special box given to you (not wrapped in paper or in your pocket!)

Please keep the retainer away from pets, and bring it with you to each appointment.

FIXED LOWER RETAINERS

When brushing, be extra careful to clean the wire and the inside of your lower teeth.

Floss daily and use a floss threader between the retainer wire and the gums.

If wires come loose, or the retainer breaks, contact our office immediately so that we can replace it.

your future
FOLLOWING ORTHODONTICS

We certainly have no crystal ball and we can’t predict the future, but there are certain things concerning the correction in your mouth that we can predict.

The completion of your treatment is the result of a combination of your cooperation and our knowledge and skill. There are certain factors of which you should now become aware that determine the future dental health in your mouth.

It has been the experience of orthodontists throughout the world that about ninetyfive percent of the correction will be retained. If we could put your teeth up on a shelf and let them stay there, they would remain perfectly straight. But, fortunately, they are to be used.

Naturally, because of the chewing forces that are at work in your mouth, there will be some adaptive changes that the teeth will make to function best.

We do not expect them to stay exactly as we placed them, since these changes will occur as everyday tooth function goes on. This readjustment is not a failure of our correction, but a result of changes that will happen— nature’s changes that we learn to expect just as we have learned to expect changes in other portions of our body as we grow older.

final note

NOW THAT WE HAVE FINISHED

Our care, it is imperative that you again go back to your family dentist, have your teeth checked thoroughly for cavities, and give your mouth a thorough prophylaxis.

Your dentist’s recall program will allow you to continue normal care through the future years, just as your frequently scheduled visits with your regular dentist have been a must during your orthodontic treatment.

We are proud of our results, through your efforts and ours, so let’s share our success with your family dentist.

You now have a beautiful smile, so use it often!

HOW LONG FOR A RETAINER?

Virtually all patients are given retainers at the end of active orthodontic treatment. We encourage our patients to wear retainers consistently every night for two years, and to continue wearing it at least on a part-time basis at night through the early twenties, even indefinitely, to maintain the bite.

We will monitor you for at least a year in retention after active orthodontic treatment. If you have no major concerns about your teeth or face, active orthodontic treatment is no longer necessary and you will be placed in inactive status. We will be happy to see you at any time if you have any orthodontic concerns.