Retention
Retention is the last phase of orthodontic treatment, after the removal of braces. It is just as important as active treatment if you want to keep the beautiful result on your teeth. During retention, you wear a removable appliance, a retainer that helps keep the teeth in their new position. In addition, you may have a bonded retainer, an orthodontic wire at the back of your teeth, that is permanently glued there, which also holds the teeth in their new position. The choice of the retaining mechanism in each case is different, depending on the problem and the initial position of the teeth.
It is very important to carefully follow the instructions for use of the retaining mechanisms. Keep in mind that the teeth always have the tendency to return to their original position! In addition, with age, there are changes happening in the mouth, forces that cause movement of the teeth. For this reason, the retention phase is usually long-lasting, with a gradual reduction in the time of use of the devices as the teeth stabilize in their new position.
