The benefits of orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime if you keep these important patient responsibilities in mind:
Removable Retainers
Once the active orthodontic appliances are removed, the patient will receive retainers to maintain the dental correction. Because the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth are stabilizing for several months after braces are removed, it is imperative that the retainers are worn as instructed. Failure to wear the retainers may result in undesirable movement of the teeth, which could necessitate re-treatment.
How retainers are worn
Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we feel that individuals who have undergone orthodontic therapy should wear retainers indefinitely. A patient should wear retainers all the time except for eating and brushing following the removal of braces.
After approximately 3 months, the patient can wear the retainer half time for about a year. This is to allow the teeth to stabilize in the surrounding bone and the wisdom teeth to develop without ruining the patient’s beautiful smile. Dr. Musgrave will see you every 4 to 5 months and an x-ray will be taken yearly to assess the need for wisdom teeth removal.
Once the wisdom teeth have been removed, a patient may wear the retainer while sleeping or perhaps a couple nights per week. This is because, as you get older, the muscles that surround your teeth will get tighter and place pressure on your teeth, causing them to move or crowd. And, like other parts of your body, your teeth can change as you age.
How to care for retainers
- Retainers are made of a thermoplastic or acrylic material that is sensitive to excessive heat, so they should be kept away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards or any place where the temperatures exceed 115 degrees (Fº).
- Retainers should be kept in the proper retainer case when they are not in the patient’s mouth.
- Keep away from any family pets, as they like to chew on them.
- Clean before and after placement in the mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap will remove the plaque. A denture cleaning solution, such as Efferdent, will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser residue.
Because retainers are worn for years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after the braces are removed. If the retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, there will be a charge for replacement. If the retainers become loose or break, contact our office immediately.
Fixed or Permanent Retainers (Bonded Wire)
This wire or permanent retainer may remain on the teeth indefinitely. The only exception is if your family dentist says you are not keeping it clean and it is beginning to cause gum or bone problems. If this should occur, we can have the bonded retainer wire removed and replaced with a removable retainer. The removable retainer should then be worn as Dr. Musgrave prescribes. The bonded wire retainer helps keep the teeth aligned as you gets older and the facial muscles get tighter. Please have this bonded wire retainer monitored by your family dentist at your six-month check ups.
Habits or Conditions that Require Stronger Retention
- Mouth breathing
- Clenching and/or grinding of teeth (muscle hyperactivity)
- Tongue thrusting, low tongue posture or abnormal tongue posture
- Playing a musical instruments with a reed
- Lip sucking
- Pen or pencil biting
- Spacing between the teeth prior to treatment
- Severely rotated teeth
Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.
Dental examinations and cleanings
The patient should continue with proper oral hygiene procedures at home, to include thorough brushing and flossing techniques. His or her family dentist should see the patient at least every six months for cleaning and dental examinations.