Moving past orthodontic appliances to retention is a essential step in maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment. Many people mistakenly believe that when the wires come off, their journey is over—but if no support is provided, your smile may relapse over time. To ensure a smooth transition, always adhere to your orthodontist’s personalized instructions. You’ll be fitted with the most suitable retainer option—a custom thermoplastic retainer, a fixed metal wire retainer, or dual-retainer therapy. They will also specify how often and for how long to wear it.
During the first 3–6 months, the majority of individuals must wear their retainers full-time, except when eating or brushing. Steady usage allows your teeth to lock into their final placement while the periodontal tissues remodel. Stick to your wear plan, even if you’re not noticing changes. Skipping wear even for a day or two can cause subtle misalignment that are hard to notice but accumulate over time.
Maintain daily hygiene for your retainer using lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Do not expose to heat, as this may warp the plastic. Never clean it in a dishwasher, and always store it in its case when not in use to avoid accidents or breakage. Strongly advised, maintain a secondary appliance—losing or breaking your primary retainer can set back your treatment and lead to additional fees.
Keep every post-braces visit so your orthodontist can evaluate your alignment and 表参道 歯列矯正 correct minor shifts. Over subsequent months, your orthodontist may gradually reduce your wear time, from full-time to nighttime only. Never alter your protocol without consultation. Only change with written approval.
Finally, maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly to preserve gum health and enamel strength, because strong gums and bone hold your teeth in place. Patience and discipline during this phase are absolutely key. The care you show now will protect your investment in your smile for decades.