At Lennard Orthodontics, we proudly serve patients in the San Jose and Blossom Valley areas with the latest in orthodontic offerings including Invisalign®, clear braces and more! With all of the effort you've put into your smile, we know how important it is to retain the results, so Dr. Lennard instructs his patients to adhere to these guidelines following the removal of your braces.
Retainer Instructions
Once we remove your braces, we begin the retention stage of your treatment. It is normal for teeth to be slightly mobile when orthodontic appliances are first removed. Retainers hold the teeth in their new positions while the bone stabilizes around the roots. Dr. Lennard usually advises "full-time" retainer wear for approximately the first two to three months, followed by "night-time" wear indefinitely. That's right... Dr. Lennard never tells his patients to stop wearing their retainers completely, as relapse can occur very quickly! Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far. Remember to remove your retainers before brushing, and brush your retainers before placing them back into your mouth.
Clear Retainers
If you prefer, we have clear retainers available as well. The clear retainer is a transparent removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of teeth. Clear retainers have no wires. They are inexpensive and easier to wear. They can be used for other treatments as well, including tooth movement and bridges.
Wire Retainers
The Hawley retainer, one of the most common types, is a removable retainer made of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic, and is designed to keep your teeth in place. This retainer is specially made from impressions of your teeth so that it fits snugly and comfortably in the roof of your mouth, while any wire or acrylic framing keeps your teeth in perfect position. The acrylic can also be personalized with a large number of colors and/or patterns.
Bonded Retainers
Bonded lingual retainers are cemented directly to the inside surface of your lower canines (eye teeth). This is one of the best ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting as it is permanently attached! Patients with bonded lingual retainers must be careful with their bite as the bonding material may break due to incorrect biting and cause teeth to shift quickly. As with removable retainers, it is important to keep them clean. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside of your lower teeth as well as the wire.
If your retainer breaks at any time during treatment, please do not adjust it yourself. Call us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.
Contact our San Jose Orthodontic office
Thank you for choosing Lennard Orthodontics as your San Jose and Blossom Valley Orthodontist! We look forward to celebrating the removal of your braces with you and starting the retention phase of your Invisalign®, clear braces or metal braces treatment. If you are considering starting treatment, please contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation!