Pop Smiles

7 Tree Farm Road Suite #202 Pennington, NJ 08534

Retainers

Pennington NJ Orthodontist & Pediatric Dentist

If you have invested in orthodontic treatment for yourself, you know that it is a process that can take several months or even years of dedication to bettering your own smile. Once you’ve achieved your dream smile, it’s important that you maintain it so that you do not go into orthodontic relapse. Orthodontic relapse occurs when your straightened teeth begin to shift due to the lack of support from braces or invisible aligners. As your teeth shift, they may go right back to their misaligned, crooked positions that you worked so hard to remedy with orthodontic treatment. The best way to prevent orthodontic relapse is to utilize a retainer. A retainer is an oral appliance that helps hold your teeth in their desired position so that they are unable to shift due to the lack of pressure.

RETAINERS IN PENNINGTON, NJ

Our doctors are happy to supply patients with custom retainers. We understand how essential a retainer is to maintain the most beautiful and healthy version of your smile. Whether you have recently completed orthodontic treatment, are experiencing an orthodontic relapse, or are in need of a repaired retainer, we can help you. Pennington Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry is here for you when you need us the most. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any retainer needs.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WEAR MY RETAINER?

You should wear your retainer at all times, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case when not in use. When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Pets love to chew on them, so be aware of where your retainer is at all times. Additionally, many retainers are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants because patients will place them on napkins nearby and forget about them. Remember that retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call us immediately.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY RETAINER?

Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and inside napkins. Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot 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. 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.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT WEARING A RETAINER?

Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to it faster. Remember to always bring your retainer to your appointments so that we can evaluate it and ensure it remains in good shape. Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care, they will last for years!

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Need a new retainer? Contact our office today, or schedule an appointment online.

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