ORTHODONTIC RETENTION

Last, but not least, the way to preserve your fantastic new smile is through the retention phase of orthodontic treatment. During the retention phase, your braces will be off and you will wear a retainer at night to hold your teeth in their proper positions. Teeth definitely have a tendency to want to move once braces come off. To keep your beautiful new smile, you need to be diligent in wearing your retainer exactly as Dr. Maddux prescribes. The goal of the retention phase of treatment is to minimize changes after braces are removed.

The retention phase is one of the most important aspects of the orthodontic process. During your time with us we will make it our main goal to give you the smile you have always wanted. In order to keep that smile, the retention process is key!

WHAT IS THE RIGHT RETAINER TYPE FOR YOU?

Some points to consider when it comes to retainers include:

• Removable retainers can be taken out for eating and hygiene routines.
• Removable retainers can get lost easily, so remember to keep yours in the case whenever you remove it to eat or brush.
• A fixed retainer is great if you don’t want to keep track of it, or if you don’t want to worry about how many hours per day it must be worn.
• Teeth with fixed retainers require a little extra attention to remove tartar while flossing. Patients with fixed retainers often must use floss threaders to pass dental floss through the small spaces between the retainer and the teeth.