When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far.

To maintain the alignment of your teeth, Essix (Clear) retainers or Hawley retainers will be utilized. Your teeth will always try to return back "home" (the position that they started before braces); so it's very important to keep up your retainer wear. Initially, we will recommend that you wear your retainers full-time until your first retainer check (two months). If everything seems to be stable and the retainers are fitting well, 12-hour wear will be advised. At your 6-month retainer check you'll be instructed to wear your retainers for nights only if everything seems to be maintained. After one-year of retention, we will access stability/alignment and recommend continued retainer wear. Retention is a lifetime commitment if you want to keep your teeth the way they look when you get your braces off.