It’s bound to be a relief when your braces come off! You can pat yourself on the back for your patience and persistence, and you can smile at the change you see when you look in the mirror. But as you know, it’s not over yet. Now you and your orthodontist must maintain your correction with the retainer phase of the orthodontic treatment. Your teeth have a “memory” and they will often try to move back to their original positions, so as you get your braces removed, you and your orthodontist will begin the work of stabilizing the results of your treatment.

To maintain your correction, your orthodontist will work with you to accomplish the following:

  • After the braces are removed you will need to return to your family dentist for an examination and cleaning (it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day). Also, you will need to keep regularly scheduled appointments with your general dentist to evaluate your readiness for removal of your wisdom teeth.
  • Your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer for each treated arch.
  • Your orthodontist will supervise the wear and care of your retainers once the braces are removed and at follow-up appointments.
  • Also remember to take your retainers out when you eat/drink and when you brush/floss.
  • Clean your retainers daily with a toothbrush and mild soap and/or toothpaste.
  • Keep your retainers in your retainer case when you are not wearing them; retainers are frequently thrown away on accident and pets love to chew on them.
  • If you lose your retainers, break your retainers or feel that the retainers are not fitting properly then call your orthodontist immediately. Remember – your teeth will shift if your retainers are not worn properly.

Always wear your retainers as instructed and remember that even with perfect retainer wear your teeth do make adaptive changes to the function of the tongue, lips and supporting structures of the mouth. These changes are natural. Working together, you will achieve the maximum benefits from your investment of time, money and effort.

Congratulations on having your braces removed! Now is the time to help your beautiful smile stay that way for a lifetime!