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Orthodontics & appliances

Retainers & finishing treatment

Protect your new smile with guidance on retainers and the final stage of aligner treatment.

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Your dental team’s personal instructions come first. Use this guide to help you prepare and care for your smile at home.

After-care & recovery

Everyday care & what to expect

Refinements

It is important to ensure you are completely happy with the final position of your teeth prior to completion of your orthodontic treatment. Additional “refinement” trays can be made to make final modifications to the teeth.

Relapse

Completed orthodontic treatment does not guarantee perfectly straight teeth for the rest of your life. Retainers will be required to keep your teeth in their new position as a result of the orthodontic treatment. You must wear your retainers as instructed or teeth may shift and cause other adverse effects.

What is a Retainer?

Regular retainer wear is usually required for several years following orthodontic treatment.

Changes after that time can occur due to natural causes, including habits such as clenching/grinding, tongue thrusting, thumb/finger sucking, mouth breathing and growth and development that occur throughout life. Later in life most people will see a shift in their teeth. Minor irregularities have to be accepted.

Fixed Type Retainer

Permanent Wire retainers are thin wires that are attached to the inside surfaces of the teeth. Your dental professional can remove them when appropriate; however, the longer the correction is retained, the more stable the teeth will be. You should be aware that hard brittle or sticky foods can bend the wire and cause the teeth to shift. Regular dental check ups and cleanings, and thorough brushing and flossing is essential to prevent cavities.

Removable Type Retainer

A night time retainer must be worn on a nightly basis to prevent any relapse. The longer the correction is retained, the more stable the teeth will be. Failure to do so may result in cavities or the shifting of teeth which may result in additional orthodontic charges to correct.

Still have a question?

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

We’re happy to explain your treatment or help with your recovery instructions.

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