So you’ve made it to the end of your braces or Invisalign journey, congratulations! Now it’s time to maintain your new smile with your customized retainer. The retention phase is a very important part of your orthodontic treatment, that is, if you want to maintain the beautiful smile you worked so hard to achieve!

Retainers Are Essential After Treatment 

The main purpose of a retainer is to keep your teeth in their corrected position that was achieved with orthodontic treatment. When your teeth are realigned, the  supporting gums and bone remodel.  Once your active orthodontic treatment has been completed and your braces or Invisalign trays are removed, the supporting tissues continue to adapt and settle so that your newly aligned teeth become more stable in their new position. Wearing a retainer during the retention period is essential to achieving stability of your orthodontic result.

We customize your retainers just for you. We will also prescribe a schedule for retainer wear that is appropriate for your treatment plan as well as your lifestyle. By wearing your retainers as prescribed, this will allow your teeth to settle into their new positions as the tissues stabilize. We will continue to see you periodically, as needed to supervise the retention period for your teeth. The retention phase is generally a minimum of 12 months.

As we age, our teeth age, such that our teeth will naturally tend to shift back to their initial positions.  By wearing your retainer as recommended by your orthodontist, you can rest assured that you will maintain your youthful and healthy smile for many years to come!

 

How To Care For Your Retainer 

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends to “disinfect your retainer in a solution of water mixed with baking soda or vinegar to maintain its cleanliness and, in turn, your overall comfort level.” We suggest brushing your retainer with your toothbrush every time you brush your teeth.

 

Orthodontic Treatment In Toronto! 

If you’re interested in learning more about orthodontic treatment options and how they can benefit you and  your smile for a lifetime, please fill out our contact form to book your free consultation! Our website also has more information about our services including Toronto braces, orthodontics for kids, Invisalign and more! We can’t wait to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!

– The York Mills Orthodontics Team