On the day you have your braces removed, you begin an important phase of your orthodontic treatment… RETENTION. Over the past months, your teeth have moved a considerable distance and are not yet firm. Your orthodontic retainers have been carefully designed to hold your teeth in their new positions until they are stable. The retention period should really be maintained indefinitely, it is your best guarantee that the teeth will stay straight. This period is an essential part of your treatment.

Drs. Miller and Eidenmuller offer many different types of retainers — clear plastic ones (like Invisalign), bonded permanent wires and traditional (plastic with wires) removable retainers.

Removable Retainer Instructions

• Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
• Take your retainers out when eating... and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
• Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and water. 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 retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer 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 them faster.
• Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
• Remove the retainer by pulling down on the clasp around the back tooth. Don't pull down on the wire across the front. This will break the wire.
• Remember your first set of retainers have been paid for in the original fee. However, there will be an additional charge to repair lost or damaged retainers.
• Please bring your retainer to each appointment.

Bonded Lingual Retainer

A bonded lingual retainer is a form of retention utilizing a thin wire or gold chain, contoured precisely to the back of your lower front teeth. We also have clear removable retainers. The esthetic material used to bond the retainer is the same material used to repair a fractured front tooth. This retainer is absolutely the best method to maintain your beautiful smile and prevent the lower teeth from shifting. What makes the bonded lingual retainer such a great appliance is that, unlike a removable retainer, you cannot lose it because it is permanently attached. Parents love this! If your retainer becomes loose within the first six months following the removal of your braces, there is no charge to re-cement the appliance.