You have graduated from braces to retainers! The retention phase of your overall orthodontic treatment is critical in maintaining the final positions of your teeth. When eating or brushing, ALWAYS place your retainers in the case. Retainers are easily lost or broken when left out of their case and are easily damaged when exposed to heat (i.e. in a hot car). The cost of your original retainers was included in the original treatment fee. If your retainer needs to be replaced due to reasons listed above, additional charges will be incurred.
 
For the first 6 months, your retainers must be worn day and night to ensure stability. After these initial 6 months of fulltime wear and with no recent tooth movement, LIFETIME nightwear is advised. We will check and adjust your retainers as needed for 18 months, which was included in your original fee.

The initial 18 months of active retention will allow for normal settling to occur so that the teeth and jaws are as stable as possible. However, living tissue is always subject to change, and movement may occur as a result of jaw posture, habits, muscle pressure, general wear and aging. As a result, teeth and jaws may shift over time. Hopefully this will not occur, but if it should, any additional treatment that may become necessary will be available at a reduced re-treat fee.
 
Some believe that non-erupted wisdom teeth are a factor in tooth movement, but movement has been known to occur in people with no wisdom teeth. Your general dentist will observe your wisdom teeth at your check-ups and advise you if they should need extracting.