Maintaining Your New Smile

Once Dr. Farrow or Dr. Dewbre remove your braces, we’ll move into the retention stage of your treatment. Maintaining the results you achieved during the treatment phase is key to the success of the entire orthodontic process.

Your retention phase will last for a minimum of 24 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so it’s important to follow through with the hard work you've put in so far!

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How to Wear & Care for Your Retainer

  • Wear your retainer at all times, until Dr. Farrow or Dr. Dewbre instructs otherwise.
  • Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case!
  • (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
  • Clean your retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Use warm water that isn’t too hot.
  • Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors.
  • Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing.
  • When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case.
  • Pets love to chew on them!
  • Initially, you may find it difficult to speak.
  • Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to it faster.
  • Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care.
  • If your retainer gets lost or broken, call Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics immediately.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or you believe it needs adjusting, call us.
  • Do not try to adjust it yourself.
  • Always bring your retainer to your appointments at Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics.
  • Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years!
  • Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
  • Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.