Maintain Your Smile for Life
The day you say good bye to your braces is always exciting, however your orthodontic care is not complete. Maintaining your beautiful smile is just as important as creating it!
Retention
Retention is how you maintain that smile. When your braces are removed, you will be given two retainers. The upper retainer is usually removable and the lower retainer is usually “fixed” or glued to the inside of your front teeth. Dr. Szymanowski may prescribe a different retainer that fits your specific situation.
Proper Retainer Use
The usual retainer procedure is to wear the upper retainer full-time for at least 6 months. After that time, you should plan on wearing your retainer EVERY NIGHT for the first year during which time we will be keeping an eye on your retention.
We will schedule two appointments 3 months apart and your last appointment 6 months later to evaluate your teeth and bite. At this appointment, we’ll instruct you on further retainer wear.
Dr. Szymanowski will most likely recommend that you wear your retainers indefinitely.
Never Forget Your Retainer
It only takes days for some teeth to begin shifting back to their original position, especially within the first year after your braces come off.
If you lose your removable retainer or if your fixed retainer comes loose in any area please contact our Sacramento office as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to see your smile and ensure it remains so beautiful!