Retainers are used to hold your new smile perfect

Once the active treatment is completed, your braces are removed. The next step is called retention. Retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions. Teeth have a natural, life-long tendency to move back toward their original positions, so you must wear your retainer as instructed, or the benefit of wearing your braces will be lost.

Dr. Bellard will determine how long you need to wear your retainers. Lifetime retention is sometimes necessary to keep your teeth as straight as possible, but night wear is usually sufficient. The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected! Remember, wear them in your mouth, not in your pocket. Retainers work when you follow our instructions.

Clean your retainers! After meals, clean all parts of the retainer with a brush. Denture cleansers are helpful at times, but remember, do not use hot water. Heat will warp and ruin the appliance.

Handle your retainers with care. Retainers are easier to lose. If you take your retainers out, always place them in your retainer case for safety. Click here for more information on caring for your retainers.