Caring for your smile does not stop once the braces come off. In fact, that is just beginning. Retention is a key component of oral care, and Farrow Orthodontics in Philadelphia, PA understands that many people do not realize the true importance of wearing your retainer. Here are a few things we want our patients to keep in mind.
Always follow Dr. Farrow’s instructions. Retainers generally should be worn over night, every night. However, in some cases they may need to be worn more. It is important to follow exactly what Farrow Orthodontics recommends, as these instructions are specifically designed to keep your teeth looking their best.
If you notice your teeth beginning to move contact us immediately. Losing all the progress you made is never fun, and if you let it get too out of hand you may have to go through treatment all over again. This can be costly, time consuming and of course inconvenient. This can be avoided by calling Dr. Farrow when the problem first begins.
While a bit uncomfortable, a little bit of pain is to be expected when wearing a retainer. This occurs because your mouth is adjusting to changes in the pressure and alignment of the teeth. Do not worry if you feel a little bit of discomfort at first, or, after having missed a few days of wear, but if the pain becomes too severe call Dr. Farrow.
Ensure that you are keep track of your retainer and care for it properly. Because of its removable nature, it may be easy to misplace your appliance. When removing your retainer always put it in a safe place such as your plastic case. Also, do not forget to be hygienic. Brush your retainer to keep it as clean as possible so that your teeth will be as beautiful as possible.
Visit Farrow Orthodontics in Philadelphia, PA to learn more about retention, or give us a call at 215.247.9060.