The retention phase is an important milestone. When you’re ready for an orthodontic retainer, the slow, challenging work of moving teeth is over.
Your smile looks amazing, but stay with the program.
There is still a lot going on behind the scenes—under the gums. Your jawbone, muscles, and soft tissues are adapting. This takes a while.
What is a Retainer?
A retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps teeth preserve their new position after orthodontic treatment. Retainers may be removable or fixed in the mouth.
Patients who neglect to wear their retainers are at risk. Their beautifully-aligned teeth may shift. If your bite was corrected during treatment, it may revert back to the original condition.
Follow Dr. Blackwood’s Recommendations
Your dentist will prescribe a schedule for wearing your retainer. Your orthodontic treatment plan is unique. It may differ from that of other patients.
What If I Lose My Retainer?
Occasionally, patients lose their retainers. If this happens, contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS right away for a replacement. We understand that life can get hectic. We urge you not to let weeks pass without getting a replacement retainer.
We teach our patients how to care for their retainer. It’s helpful if parents reinforce this training at home for their kids undergoing treatment.
Keep Your Retainer Clean
After eating, clean the retainer with a toothbrush. Brush it carefully with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You can use denture cleaner periodically for a deeper clean.
If your teen has a cell phone, set an alert to remind them to clean their retainer. While you’re at it, set an alert reminding them to keep the retainer in its case when not in use.
Keep Your New Smile Clean!
If it’s important to clean your retainer, it’s no surprise that it’s even more important to clean your beautiful new smile. It will be easier now that the braces are off.
Practice daily oral hygiene. This includes brushing after meals and flossing at least once a day. Flossing and brushing before bed ensures that particles of food don’t sit on teeth all night. For extra cavity prevention, use a fluoride rinse before going to sleep. This helps to rinse food particles from your mouth as well as neutralize the acids that cause plaque.
Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:
801-938-8855
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107
