When we remove your braces, you will begin the retention stage of your treatment. During the first two months, full-time wear is required. After two months, you will have your first retainer check appointment. At this appointment, Dr. Spillers will most likely tell you that you may begin wearing your retainers every night, indefinitely. Your final orthodontic result depends on your cooperation with retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember, a beautiful smile is a lifetime commitment!
Please call our office as soon as possible if you lose or break your retainers, so your teeth will not begin to shift. We will schedule an appointment to take new impressions in order to make new retainers. This service will be provided at our usual fee.
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The retainers we offer include:
Essix Retainers
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, making them very comfortable to wear. They can be used for other treatments as well, including tooth movement and tooth whitening.
Hawley Retainers
The Hawley retainer is a removable retainer made of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic, and is designed to keep your teeth in place. This retainer is specially made from impressions of your teeth so that it fits snugly and comfortably in the roof of your mouth, while any wire or acrylic framing keeps your teeth in position.
Bonded Lingual Retainer
Bonded lingual retainers are cemented directly to the inside surface of your lower front teeth. Patients with bonded lingual retainers must be careful as the bonding material may break due to incorrect biting and cause teeth to shift quickly. Because of this, Dr. Spillers recommends wearing Essex retainers in combination with bonded retainers. As with removable retainers, it is important to keep the bonded retainers clean. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside of your lower teeth as well as the wire.