The next step is called retention. 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.

Your retainer is carefully designed to move or to hold your teeth; even a few days without wear may cause some shifting! It is important that it is worn according to instructions and brought to each appointment.

The safest place for your retainer is in your mouth or in its case. Your lower retainer will remain in place indefinitely.

Avoid flipping your retainer with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth or breakage of your retainer.

Additional fees may be incurred for lost or broken retainers. Even cracked retainers may need to be replaced. Please contact the office right away if you need a replacement retainer.

View our Retainer Care Instructions Handout or print it for your convenience.