Once we have removed your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. This phase lasts for at least 24 months, and the goal of retention is to maintain your final orthodontic results. Without retention, your teeth may again shift and become misaligned. The most common way to maintain your straight new smile is a retainer. Retainers are oral appliances that fit over your teeth to preserve their alignment. Each retainer in San Jose and Almaden Valley, California, is custom made to precisely fit your smile. Based on your specific needs, our orthodontist may recommend a fixed or removable retainer. If your retainer is removable, be certain to wear it for the recommended amount of time every day to ensure that your smile stays straight. You should remove your retainer before brushing your teeth, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
If your retainer breaks at any point during your treatment, do not try to repair or adjust it yourself. Please call us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with Dr. Derick Phan at 408.251.7901. If you have any questions about retainers or orthodontic retention, we invite you to contact us today at Phan Orthodontics. We are always happy to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need.
