The final phase of orthodontic treatment is called retention when the braces and wires are removed. The purpose of retention is to maintain the corrected alignment of teeth achieved during the active phase of treatment.  Retainers are used during the retention phase of treatment to keep the teeth straight and allow time for the soft and hard tissues around the teeth to reform. Because human bodies are constantly changing, many patients will need retainers throughout life. Removable Retainer Your upper retainer is removable. You must be very careful when handling it. Your retainer is fragile and costly to replace. You are given a special case for your retainer; please make sure you keep it in this case when you are not wearing it! To clean your retainer, brush it with toothpaste (occasionally with denture cleaner) using warm water. Your retainer should be worn at all times with the exception of eating and brushing your teeth. It should also be removed when participating in sports that require a mouthguard or while swimming. Over time, we may revise your retention treatment, possibly allowing the retainer to only being worn at night. The length of retention is based on each individual's course of treatment. Be sure to keep removable retainers away from pets. They love to chew on them! Never put a retainer in boiling water or the dishwasher to clean it. This will destroy retainers! Fixed Permanent Retainer A fixed retainer is a customized wire that is bonded onto the back side of the lower front teeth. It is less bulky than other retainers. The bonded retainer is to remain in place for an indefinate period of time following placement to ensure alignment of the lower teeth. This type of retainer is excellent for maintaining the position of incisors at the end of treatment. Extra care must be taken to brush and floss between teeth to prevent future dental problems. There is a fee to repair or replace a broken or lost retainer and a new impression will be necessary. Please be sure to wear the retainers as instructed so your teeth will not shift or move out of alignment. If you don't wear the retainers your teeth WILL move and additional treatment and expense may occur.

300 N.E. Tudor Rd. | Lee's Summit, MO 64086 | (816) 524-1111 11401 Nall Avenue | Leawood, KS 66211 | (913) 649-5437

Retention