End of Treatment

The Braces Come Off!!

When the happy day finally arrives that the appliances can be removed, the bonded brackets are removed and impressions for retainers are made. These are subsequently delivered at a later date, and any remaining residual bonding material is carefully removed and the teeth cleaned and polished. Periodic retainer check-ups or adjustments follow.

Retainers

Retention after orthodontic treatment is critical. Teeth can, and often will, slightly change position whether or not orthodontic treatment was ever carried out. The fact that teeth can be moved at any age with braces is also the reason that other mechanical and biological factors associated with growth, aging, noxious habits, changes in the dentition or periodontal health etc. can alter tooth position. Maintaining tooth alignment can be provided by the use of various removable or fixed retention devices. Most are inconspicuous or invisible.

Initially retainers must be worn full time for a minimum of six months. Thereafter, they should be worn every night or part of the day. Retention requirements vary somewhat between patients depending on the original malocclusion. Preferences for certain retainers differ between patients and different options can be discussed with the doctor to suit the patient’s needs.

In most cases, indefinite retainer wear is recommended if the teeth are expected to stay exactly where they were put with treatment. There is a replacement charge associated with the replacement of retainers due to breakage, lack of wear, etc.