Retainers

When you've completed the active part of your orthodontic treatment, you'll be ready for the next phase, which we call retention. The object of retention is to hold the teeth where they are.

For your benefit, retainers must be worn as directed by Dr. Chapman. Retainers can easily be lost or broken. If a retainer is lost or broken, please let us know immediately and please bring it with you to your appointment. If they are lost or broken there is an additional fee.

The only way to ensure your teeth stay straight is to continue wearing your retainers indefinitely. If your retainers don't fit properly, call for an appointment immediately. If not worn for a period of time, they may lose their fit and require replacement or retreatment.

DO	DON'T
DO remove while eating. DO keep in case at all times while not in mouth. DO keep them clean - use toothpaste and toothbrush to clean retainers. If you need additional cleaning, soaking in denture cleaner 2 times/week for twenty minutes works well! DO wear them properly so there is no tooth movement.	Don't wrap your retainer in a napkin. Don't put in shirt or pant pocket (they will break or be lost). Don't leave retainer near heat (direct sunlight, hot car, heater). Don't boil, microwave, or clean with hot water. Don't leave them lying out of case (dogs and cats will chew on them).

In special cases, a fixed bonded retainer is used to retain teeth.

• This retainer will remain in your mouth until Dr. Chapman approves its removal.
• When brushing, remember to clean the wire that connects the teeth.
• Use a floss threader to clean between the retainer and gums.
• If you notice one of the attachments has come loose, call the office immediately.

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