Once the big day arrives and braces come off, you will be given your orthodontic retainers. Retainers are orthodontic appliances that are used to keep the teeth in their final positions and prevent orthodontic relapse. In general, upper retainers are removable and lower retainers may be fixed or removable. Dr. Boyd will give you instructions on the proper wear of your retainers. Typically, retainers are worn “all the time” for the first 8 weeks after braces are removed. They are then worn nightly thereafter. You can think of your retainers as your “tooth pajamas”. A fixed lower retainer will be left in place for a long period, sometimes “forever”. It is not visible therefore, there are no cosmetic concerns about the lower retainer.
It is very important to take excellent care of your retainers. Brush them every time you brush your teeth. Several times a week soak your retainers in a glass of room temperature tap water with a denture-cleaning tablet. This will help prevent plaque from forming on your retainer and keep it tasting better.
Please follow Dr. Boyd's instructions on retainer wear. If you experience any problems with your retainer, do not adjust it yourself. Please refer to the web page on “Emergencies”, and call Dr. Boyd.
The following photographs show several different types of retainers. Dr. Boyd will choose the one for you that best helps to “retain” that great smile.
