Retainers  

Once the active period of treatment is completed, your braces will be removed. The next stage of orthodontic treatment, which is just as important, is the retention phase. Retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums, and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions. You must wear your retainer as instructed, otherwise your teeth may move toward their original positions and the benefit of wearing your braces will be lost.

In most cases, Dr. Gray will recommend permanent retention of of the teeth (see photos). In addition to your permanent retainers, Dr. Gray will likely give you removable retainers to be worn at night. These need to be worn for life to guarantee that your smile will stay as beautiful as when your braces were removed. 

Keep your retainers clean. We will give you detailed instructions to keep your bonded (permanent) retainers clean. Be sure to floss daily around your retainers using a Floss-threader. Your removable retainers can usually be cleaned with your toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste. If build-up begins to form on your retainers, you can soak them in a denture cleaning solution, such as Polident or Retainer Brite.

Handle your retainers with care. Retainers are easy to lose. If you take your retainers out, always place them in your retainer case for safety. Be sure to not wrap them in a napkin or tissue while you eat. That is the most common way they are lost! Also, be sure to keep them away from pets - they think retainers make a great snack.