After Dr. Marcus removes your braces, you will enter the Retention Phase of your orthodontic treatment. The retention phase is intended to help preserve your beautiful new smile. Compliance with Dr. Marcus' recommended retainer wear schedule is extremely important if you are to protect your hard work and investment made during your active treatment. Primarily, this phase of treatment is the patients responsibility.
It has been the experience of many orthodontists that 80% to 90% of orthodontic correction can be maintained. Some adaptive changes to your teeth may occur over time as you use your teeth. This is not a failure of treatment, but a natural process to be expected as you grow older. If you wish to provide the most protection for your orthodontic results, permanent retainer wear should be considered.
Dr. Marcus' Retention Phase Program Includes:
- Initial Retainers
- One year of follow-up visits
Additional Charges:
- If retainers are not worn and the teeth shift, there will be a fee for re-treatment
To Maintain Retention, Please Contact Our Office Immediately If:
- There is any change in the fit of your retainers
- Your retainers are lost or broken
Retainer Replacement:
- Your original set of retainers is included as part of your orthodontic treatment. There will be a charge for any replacements. Currently, our retainer charges range from $185 to $225 each, depending on the type of retainer made specifically for you.
RETAINER CARE
Retainers and other removable orthodontic appliances should be cleaned regularly. Brush the appliance daily with your toothbrush and some toothpaste. Pay particular attention to the side of the appliance that comes in contact with the roof of your mouth or gums.
Another option is to soak the appliance in a cleaning solution that is advertised as a dental cleaner. Ask Dr. Marcus about which solution to use. Some cleaning solutions can corrode wires or other metallic areas on orthodontic appliances. When brushing or soaking your appliance, never use hot water! It can distort the plastic and make the appliance unusable.
When your retainer is not in your mouth, keep it in the case that you received at Dr. Marcus'. Also keep it away from your pets. Dogs and cats will think it's a toy and it's be chewed up in no time.
Be careful when you are dining with company not to wrap your retainer in a napkin because retainers are frequently forgotten and thrown away in the trash.
TYPES OF RETAINERS
Fixed Retainers
A fixed retainer is typically placed (glued) on the inside surfaces of the lower front teeth. This type of retainer can be attached to the two canine teeth or to every tooth in the area. A fixed retainer is very efficient at maintaining the positions of the teeth in certain situations.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers have been used successfully for many years and are probably the most common type of retainer. Patients identify immediately with the wire that runs across the front teeth to help maintain tooth alignment and symmetry. The "Hawley" retainer is the most popular type of removable retainer used in our office. It is made of plastic and stainless steel wire and is custom-made for your mouth and teeth.