I’m pretty sure the happiest day of treatment for all orthodontic patients is the day they get their braces off. Patients are happy. Parents are happy. Doctors are happy!
However, getting your braces off is more like “class promotion” than a collage graduation. It’s a fact that no matter what treatment or how perfectly aligned your teeth are, the day your braces come off is just the beginning of the life-long need to retain your teeth in the best possible position. Lifetime retention is not so surprising when you realize that everything in the human body is affected by time and age. Nothing on the human body does not sag or wrinkle over time. Your teeth are no different.
One of the first questions usually asked when someone receives a new retainer is, “How will I know when I need to replace my retainer?” Everyone is different, but here are three reasons to invest in a replacement:
1: Retainer is damaged.
If your retainer is damaged so that it no longer fits or holds your teeth effectively, you will need to have it repaired or replaced. Some examples of things that will damage a retainer include sitting or stepping on it, leaving it out so that your dog can chew it up, or in the case of thermoformed retainers, placing the retainer in water that is too hot. The best way to prevent damage is to store your retainer in its case when it is not in your mouth. Best to keep it in your face or in your case!
2: Retainer doesn't fit anymore.
Your retainer must fit correctly on the first day that you receive it. If your retainer doesn’t fit when you receive it, let Dr. Fortney know and we will make adjustments to insure that you have correct before you leave the office. Once your retainer is fit properly, it is up to you to wear it as prescribed so that movement will be kept to a minimum. Please understand that there is NO retainer of any kind that will prevent all movement. If you’re using your teeth, they’re going to change. If you get lazy with your retainer wear, your teeth may move so much that your retainer won’t fit right any more. When you get to that point, you will need to call Hidden Valley Orthodontics and make an appointment. If we cannot adjust your retainer so that it will fit the new position of your teeth, you will need to buy a new one.
3: Retainer is worn out.
This happens with anything that we use on a daily basis. How do sneakers look when you’ve worn them daily for a year? The length of time a retainer stays in decent shape varies from patient to patient. While most last two to three years, I’ve seen some patients who need to replace theirs every year while others have had theirs for more than 20! Some signs that your retainer is worn out include discoloration, calcium buildup, distortion, solder joints that come apart, and a loose fit even though the retainer has not been damaged. If you go to put your retainer in your mouth one night and you think to yourself, “I am not sticking that gross thing in my mouth again,” it is probably time to invest in a new one.
Should you have any questions or concerns about your retainer please contact Hidden Valley Orthodontics at 760-489-0330 or info@hvortho.com .
Hidden Valley Orthodontics
Dr. Christy Fortney
230 W. 3rd Avenue
Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: 760-489-0330
Email: linda@hvortho.com
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