Orthodontic Retainer Guide

Falcon Orthodontics Retainer Insurance Program

Dr. Jacob Zitterkopf and the team at Falcon Orthodontics have created a way to help you protect your smile for life! Ask our team today about our very popular retainer insurance program.

Maintaining the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment: Essential Tips

To ensure the long-lasting success of your orthodontic treatment, it’s crucial to follow the prescribed retainer guidelines. Here’s what you need to know:

Removable Retainers

After your active orthodontic appliances are removed, you will receive retainers to maintain your teeth’s new positions. These retainers are essential as the surrounding bone and soft tissues stabilize over several months. Consistent retainer use is crucial to prevent unwanted tooth movement and the potential need for re-treatment.

Wearing Your Orthodontic Retainers

Teeth continue to shift throughout life, so retainers should be worn indefinitely. Initially, wear your retainers all the time for the first four months post-braces removal. After four months, you can switch to wearing them only at night. Regular check-ups with Dr. Jacob Zitterkopf every six to nine months, and periodic X-rays (every 18 months) will monitor the development of your wisdom teeth and guide retainer use.

As you age, the surrounding muscles may tighten and exert pressure on your teeth, potentially causing shifts or crowding. Because of this, we encourage you to wear your retainers for as long as you want straight teeth!

Caring for Your Orthodontic Retainers

Retainers are made from thermoplastic materials sensitive to heat. Keep them away from high temperatures, such as heaters, dishwashers, or car dashboards (above 115°F). Store your retainer in its case when not in use to prevent damage from pets or accidents.

Clean your retainers before and after wearing them to prevent plaque buildup. Use a soft toothbrush with mild liquid soap, and occasionally use a denture cleaner to remove plaque and tartar. Rinse thoroughly to eliminate any residue.

Retainers will need replacement over time. Your initial treatment includes one set of retainers post-braces. Charges apply for replacements due to loss or damage from neglect. If your retainers become loose or break, contact our office immediately.

Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)

Fixed retainers are designed to remain in place permanently unless issues arise. If your family dentist finds that the retainer is causing gum or bone problems due to lack of cleanliness, have it removed and replaced with a removable retainer. Follow Dr. Jacob Zitterkopf’s instructions for using the removable retainer. Regular monitoring of the fixed wire by your family dentist during six-month check-ups is important.

Conditions Requiring Enhanced Retention

Certain habits or conditions may require more intensive retention, including:

Mouth breathing
Teeth clenching or grinding
Tongue thrusting or abnormal tongue posture
Playing a reed instrument
Lip sucking
Pen or pencil biting
Spacing or severely rotated teeth before treatment

Our goal is to ensure your smile remains beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation with retainer use and ongoing dental care is vital to achieving this.

Dental examinations and cleanings

Please continue with proper oral hygiene procedures at home, to include thorough brushing and flossing techniques. We encourage patients to see their family dentist at least every six months for cleaning and dental examinations.

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