Completed orthodontic treatment does not guarantee perfectly straight teeth for the rest of your life. Teeth have a memory and often try to move back to their original positions. Retainers are required to keep your teeth in their new positions. Regular retainer wear is often necessary for lifetime as your body is continually undergoing growth and maturation. Minor irregularities, particularly in the lower front teeth may occur. In summary, you need your retainers to keep your teeth as straight as possible, but even with good retainer wear your teeth may move slightly.
Retainer Instructions and Responsibilities
I am pleased with the results of my treatment. I understand that I have the following responsibilities:
- Wear my retainers as instructed by my orthodontist. Usually, the retainers are worn for 12 hours a day for the first year after orthodontic treatment. I will be wearing them at least several times a week. The process of retention is forever.
- Take my retainers out while eating and ALWAYS put them in their case. I will not place them in a tissue or put them in your pocket – they may break or be lost.
- Maintain my scheduled retention appointments as prescribed by my orthodontist.
- Always bring my retainers to my retainer check appointment.
- Clean my retainers every day, use mild soap and water, and brush them with a toothbrush.
- Keep my retainers away from pets.
- Keep my retainers away the sun and hot or boiling water because they will melt.
- If my dentist is placing fillings or crowns or is changing the shape of the teeth, I will take my retainers to my dental appointment or schedule an appointment to make sure that the retainers are adjusted and fit properly after the dental work is done.
- Call the office immediately if my retainer breaks or is not fitting properly.
Lost or Broken Retainers
If a retainer is lost or damaged, please call our office immediately to schedule an appointment.
Retainer Replacement Fees (current fees only, they may change as the lab fees change)
- Essix Retainers (Made in the office, 1 upper OR 1 lower) - $250 per arch
- Invisalign Retainers (1 upper OR 1 lower) - $250 per arch (available for Invisalign patients only)
- Vivera Retainers (4 upper AND 4 lower, made by Invisalign) - $750 for a set of 8
- Repair of a bonded lingual retainer - $50 per tooth
- Replacement of a bonded lingual retainer - $300
- Fee for retreatment starts at a minimum of $1800. *