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 Once your active phase of orthodontic treatment is complete, you will pass into an equally important part of your treatment called retention. The first 6 months you must wear your retainer at all times, except when you are eating or brushing your teeth. Your top retainer will be removable and your lower retainer will be permanently bonded to the back of your lower front teeth. We will check your retainer periodically for 18 months, which is included in your treatment fee. Thorough instructions regarding wear and care will be give upon deliver of your retainers. If you do not wear your retainers as directed, the teeth may begin to rapidly drift to their original positions. A retainer never stops fitting unless it is not worn as directed. If the retainer does not fit, it shows that the teeth have shifted. The most important thing to remember is wearing them as directed and put them in the case when they are not in your mouth. Additional charges will be incurred for replacing lost or broken retainers, for extensive adjustments to current retainers due to improper fit, and/or if placement if braces/appliances are made to realign the teeth. These additional charges are at the patient's expense, so it is extremely important for you to take care of your retainers and follow all instructions carefully. It has been the experience of orthodontists over the nation, through the years, that about 95% of our corrections is to be retained. If we could put the teeth upon a shelf and let them stay there, they would remain perfectly straight. During the chewing forces at work in the mouth, there will be some adaptive changes that will make the teeth function in a manner what nature considers best. We do not expect them to stay exactly as we placed them since these changes will occur as function goes on. Muscle function, skeletal components, and genetics all play a role. This is not a failure of the correction, but nature's changes that we learn to expect, just as we learn to expect change in other portions of our body as we grow older. A nice smile is a great asset enjoyed by both those who have it and others who see it. It is has been a pleasure working with you to attain your results and we hope you enjoy it for many years to come. You should see your family dentist within the next month for an exam and cleaning. If you have any questions, please discuss them with us at your next appointment.
3890 Turtle Creek Drive, Suite A |  |
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