When You Finish Treatment
Protecting Your Orthodontic Results
Retention is an active phase of orthodontic care. Teeth naturally tend to shift after braces or aligners are removed, particularly while the surrounding bone and tissues adapt. Wearing retainers exactly as directed is the most important step patients can take to protect their new alignment.
Clean removable retainers according to the instructions provided by our team, store them in their case when they are not being worn, and keep them away from heat, pets, and napkins that may be discarded accidentally. Continue brushing, flossing, professional dental cleanings, and routine examinations with your general dentist.
Contact The Schulhof Center if a retainer is lost, damaged, uncomfortable, or no longer fits properly. Do not force an appliance that will not seat. Scheduled retention checks allow the team to monitor stability and address small changes before they become more difficult to correct.
Completed orthodontic treatment does not guarantee perfectly straight teeth for the rest of your life. You will need to wear retainers to protect your investment in a beautiful smile!
You must wear your retainers as instructed or teeth may relapse (shift), in addition to other adverse effects. Regular retainer wear is often necessary for several years following orthodontic treatment. However, changes after that time can occur due to natural causes, including habits such as tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, and growth and maturation that continue throughout life. Most people will experience some minor settling of the teeth over time; this is completely normal.
Your correction can be retained with good retainer wear. Working together, we can get the maximum lifetime benefits from your investment of time, money, and effort.
For further information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Schulhof, contact our New Jersey office here.
