At Burlingame Smile Studio, we know how exciting it is to see your new smile after completing braces or orthodontic treatment. To keep your teeth in their beautifully aligned positions, retainers play a critical role. Dr. April Lee provides personalized guidance to help patients maintain their retainers properly, ensuring long-lasting results and excellent oral health.
Why Retainers Are Essential
After braces, your teeth need time to settle into their new positions. Retainers hold them in place while the bones, gums, and muscles adjust. Without them, teeth can gradually shift back, undoing months or even years of orthodontic progress. Each patient’s retention plan is unique, and Dr. Lee carefully tailors her recommendations to ensure your smile stays straight.
Wearing Your Retainer
During the first stage of the retention phase, most patients will wear retainers day and night, except when eating, cleaning their teeth, or playing sports. This routine gives your mouth time to adapt to the new appliance. Some soreness and minor changes in speech may occur at first, but these usually improve within a few days. Over time, many patients transition to wearing retainers only at night. In some cases, Dr. Lee may recommend a permanent retainer for ongoing stability.
Caring for Your Retainer
Keeping your retainer clean is just as important as wearing it. After meals, rinse and brush it gently with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste before putting it back in your mouth. Occasionally, a deeper clean with denture cleaner will help maintain freshness. Always brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your retainer to keep both your teeth and appliance in excellent condition.
It is also important to handle your retainer with care. Never wrap it in a napkin or tissue, as it can easily be thrown away. Instead, use a retainer case whenever you are not wearing it. Avoid putting the appliance in your pocket, as it can be lost or broken, and keep it away from children and pets. Retainers should never be exposed to heat or boiled, since high temperatures can warp the material.
Ongoing Maintenance and Replacement
Over time, retainers naturally wear out. When that happens, Burlingame Smile Studio is here to provide a replacement so you can continue protecting your smile. If your retainer feels uncomfortable, becomes damaged, or no longer fits properly, it is important to contact Dr. Lee promptly to avoid any setbacks. Regular dental checkups will also allow us to monitor the stability of your teeth and make sure your retention plan is working as it should.
Protecting Your Smile for the Future
At Burlingame Smile Studio, we want every patient to enjoy their orthodontic results for years to come. Dr. April Lee and our dedicated team are here to guide you through the retention phase with the same care and expertise you experienced during your braces treatment. If you live in Burlingame, Hillsborough, or Millbrae, contact our office today to schedule an appointment and learn more about maintaining your retainers for lifelong oral health.
Contact Dr. April Lee at Burlingame Smile Studio
(650) 231-2680
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1740 Marco Polo Way Ste 12
Burlingame, California
94010
