Retainers

After we remove your braces (and celebrate!), it will be crucial to maintain the success of your orthodontic treatment by wearing retainers. Retainers hold the teeth in place and allow new supporting bone to develop around the new position we have created for your teeth. If retainers aren’t worn, teeth are likely to gradually move back to their original positions. 

At first you will wear your retainers all the time. We'll let you know when it's safe to just wear them at night. Here are Dr. Moore's top 5 tips for wearing retainers:

1. Remove your retainers when eating or drinking anything other than water.
2. Whenever you remove your retainers, always place them in a retainer case (never in a napkin or your pocket). 
3. Keep your retainers out of any pet’s reach. Some pets will even get to them by chewing through your retainer case.
4. Clean your retainers every day with a toothbrush and cool water. Get them extra clean by adding dish soap. 
5. eat can distort retainers so keep them away from hot water & don’t leave them in a hot car.

For more information about retainers, check out this short video from the American Association of Orthodontists: