Retention
Keeping Your Teeth Straight for a Lifetime!
Keeping your teeth straight for a lifetime! PT Orthodontics works with hundreds of patients each year from across the Birmingham and surrounding areas. Our offices in Adamsville, Cahaba Heights, Gadsden, Gardendale, Hoover, Hueytown, Jasper, Leeds, Mountain Brook, Oxford, Pell City, Trussville, and Tuscaloosa frequently get to see families and patients years after their treatment is complete with smiles as beautiful as the day their braces came off!
Regardless of what alignment problem or treatment technique is chosen, our experts will follow your primary treatment with a retention plan to ensure that your teeth look great for years to come. Learn more about our treatment options and common orthodontic problems here.
Why Do I Need a Retainer After Braces or Invisalign?
Once you’ve completed your treatment and the braces come off, you’ll be amazed by how great your teeth look and we want to keep it that way! Your teeth and gums will still allow some movement, and although it will occur much more slowly, this movement can cause your teeth to shift out of alignment. Retainers are used to “hold” your teeth in their current position, preventing them from losing their ideal positioning. Unlike braces, they are not intended to actively push your teeth.
Caring for Your Retainer
Now that your teeth a free from brackets and wires, you’re likely to be speedy and efficient when flossing and brushing! Just like your teeth and braces, your retainer will need to be kept clean to avoid growth of bacteria and bad smells. Retainers can be cleaned similarly to the Invisalign trays, using a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the plastic body and wires.
You may also use denture cleaner or alcohol free mouthwash to soak your retainer. This will keep it smelling fresh and prevent the buildup of bacteria. Alcohol and abrasive cleaners can damage your retainer, however, and great care should be taken when using this method.
Customizing Your Retainer
Just like the bands on your brackets, you can choose a customized color for your retainer that will make it personalized just for you! You can choose your favorite color, the color of your favorite sports team, or perhaps your school colors.
Ready to Show Off Your Perfect Teeth?
If you’re already working with PT Orthodontics, your doctor will explain the benefits of a retention plan towards the end of your treatment. If you have questions in the meantime, be sure to let us know and our staff will be happy to help you out! If you haven’t started yet, or if you’d like more information about braces, retainers, or orthodontics in general, contact your nearest PT Orthodontics office today. Our Adamsville, Cahaba Heights, Gadsden, Gardendale, Hoover, Hueytown, Jasper, Leeds, Mountain Brook, Oxford, Pell City, Trussville, and Tuscaloosa teams are excited to meet you and begin working on your smile!