The day you get your braces off or when you’re finished wearing your Invisalign aligners, is a great day indeed! This is when you get a good look at your amazing new smile! Dr. Pennella understands that you’ll be excited once this part of your orthodontic treatment is complete. However, you’re not quite done with treatment yet! The final step to any orthodontic treatment, whether it’s done with braces or Invisalign is retention.
What Is Retention?
Retention is the part of orthodontic treatment that’s designed to hold your teeth in their new positions after you’re done wearing braces or aligners. This part of your treatment ensures that you can keep that new incredible smile you and your orthodontist worked hard to achieve.
How Retention Works
We will provide you with a custom-made retainer that is made from an impression of your teeth in their new positions. We will tell you to wear your retainer for at least 24 months. It’s very important that you wear your retainer as directed because if you don’t, your teeth will move back into misalignment and all the progress you made wearing braces or Invisalign will be lost.
Types of Retainers
There are a few different types of retainers that Dr. Pennella will choose from. These include:
Retainer Care
Just like you needed to keep your braces or aligners clean, you will need to clean your retainer every day. If you’re wearing a removable retainer, you should take it out when eating and when brushing and flossing. You should gently brush your removable retainer after meals and before bedtime to keep it fresh and clean. If you’re wearing a fixed retainer, it’s important to brush and floss away any debris that becomes trapped in it.
Contact Your Lexington, SC Orthodontics Office
If you have any questions about retention or the orthodontic treatment options available at The Braces Place, contact us or request a complimentary consultation today. We love welcoming new patients to our office and hope to meet you soon!