Retainers: Keeping Teeth Straight
After the active orthodontic treatment period is complete, you will be given permanent and removable retainers. Retainers prevent the teeth from moving back to their original position. The teeth will not stay exactly where we have placed them, they will make adaptive changes to function in the most efficient manner. Teeth may shift quickly if the retainers are not being worn.
We will supervise the first year of your retention, or as per doctor discretion. We include your initial set of retainers in your treatment fee; it becomes your financial responsibility for any replacement retainers if they become broken or lost.
Looking For Exceptional Orthodontic Treatment?
Contact Garcia Family Orthodontics with any questions or to schedule an appointment!
Taking Care of Your Retainers
- Keep your retention appointments. If you miss an appointment, we can’t properly supervise your retention. It is your responsibility to contact us to schedule another appointment. Always bring your retainers to your visits.
- Retainers are worn after school and at night when you are sleeping unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Garcia
- If retainers are lost, broken or feel differently, call us immediately during business hours. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
- Take your retainers out when you eat or brush your teeth. Don’t wear retainers while swimming or contact sports. When not wearing retainers, keep them in the retainer box. Do not wrap them in a napkin or place them in your pocket.
- Take care of your retainers. Clean retainers thoroughly using a clean toothbrush and liquid soap. Efferdent or Retainer Brite can be used once a week to help remove tough stains. Don’t soak them in alcohol mouthwash (over time, this will make the retainers brittle)
- Never put retainers in hot water, dishwasher or leave them in a hot place like your car.
- Keep them away from your pets; they love to chew on them.
- Retainers are breakable and can wear out over time. Replacing a worn-out retainer is a wise investment in protecting your teeth.
- If you have a sore spot on your gums call our office at Garcia Family Orthodontics office Phone Number (407) 857-0800 so that we can adjust the retainer.