At the office of Drs. Bookwalter, Fee and Wright, we want to congratulate you on reaching the retention phase of your treatment! Please remember that this part of your orthodontic treatment is just as important as the active movement phase in determining the ultimate success of your treatment.
Your retainers must be worn as directed by your orthodontist. Typically retainers are worn full-time for the first 2-6 months. Following this time period, ther retainers should be worn on a nighttime basis for two years or until growth is complete. We recommend that you continue to wear the retainers one to two nights per week, for the rest of your life. Long-term studies show that as we age, our teeth continue to shift, whether we have had orthodontic treatment or not. It is important to retain teeth long-term in order to prevent relapse or normal shifting.
Lower Fixed Retainer
Fixed lower retainers are typically cemented directly to the inside surface of your lower front teeth. This is one of the best ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting as it is permanently attached! Patients with fixed lower retainers must be careful to avoid hard, sticky foods that may break the retainer and cause teeth to shift quickly. As with removable retainers, it is important to keep them clean. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside of your lower teeth and between the teeth, as well as the wire.