Fixed Retainers are usually given following the 1st phase of treatment (Mixed Dentition Stage).  Fixed retainers such as a (Lower Lingual Holding Arch) and or a (Nance Holding) arch are designed to hold space to allow eruption of all of the permanent teeth.  Fixed retainers such as LLHA and Nance arches work very well in young patients, simply because they are glued in place and "should not" be lost by the patient.  Secondly, they are small and are tolerated well by the patients.  Fixed retainers are usually kept in place for an average of 6 months to 18 months depending upon the case. 

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*Pictures courtesy of Memtor Communications

We have an alarming number of patient that have lost their retainers while they are at school.  The story is the same, they wrapped their retainers in a napkin and subsequently threw them into the trash.  Replacing retainers can get very expensive, Therefore, we recommend that our younger patients wear their retainer only while they are in the house and during the weekend.  The retainer should be put in as soon as you get home, you can take it out to eat.   It must be placed back in your mouth immediately after you finish your meal.  You must sleep in your retainer.  In the morning take your retainer out, put it in its case.  Floss and brush your teeth and soak your retainer in the cleaner we will provide you two to three times per week.  Do not leave your retainer in the cleaning solution longer than 30 minutes, if you do it can damage the joints on the retainer and cause it to break.   

          Fixed Retainers following Phase 2 or Braces

	There is no compliance needed.
	The patient does not have to wear retainers that have to be taken in an out.
	The retainer can not be lost.
	Speech is not affected as much with a removable retainer.
	Very difficult to see, practically invisible.
	Retainer check ups can be scheduled further apart.
	Great at keeping gaps closed.

Disadvantages :

	Very difficult clean effectively.
	Site for Tartar and Calculus build up.
	Flossing is a must to avoid periodontal problems.

Some individuals may not be  good candidates for a (upper) fixed retainer.   Individuals with existing periodontal problems are also not good candidates for fixed retainers.  Fixed retainers take a lot of diligence (consist daily flossing) and care. 

If there is a concern, please consult your dentist for his/her to see you will be "periodontally cleared"  for  this type of retention. 

Wearing your retainers as we have directed is a super critical part of treatment. Retainers are designed to "retain" and hold your teeth in place to help secure them in their new position. They are also a good way to protect your investment. 

	WEAR YOUR RETAINERS as directed, do not deviate from the plan we have agreed on. Please consult with our office first before you decide to change your retainer wear.    Your retainers should not be worn while you eat.  You will not be be able to taste effectively and you will not be able to enjoy your meal with them in.   Therefore you should remove your retainers prior to eating and place them back in their protective case.  What ever you do, do not wrap them in a napkin, they can be easily thrown away!  Retainers that are placed in your back pack, pocket or purse without being in it's protective case can be broken or damaged. If your retainers are broken or damaged they may not fit properly.  This may lead to unwanted shifting of your teeth.  Shifting of your teeth could lead to additional charges to have your retainer (s) repaired or replaced.  In a worst case scenario, braces may have to placed back on your teeth to return them to their correct alignment.   This constitutes more time and money.  The goal of this information is not to scare you, but rather to encourage you to take of your retainers.   We just want you to protect your investment!
	Keep them clean, by brushing your retainers just like your teeth.  Use a toothbrush after every meal.  If you can't brush, rinse your mouth and retainers thoroughly with water.  Never use hot water on your retainers.  Hot water will cause them to distort and not fit properly.
	Do not Lose or break your retainer, the easiest way to avoid losing your retainer is to keep it in your mouth.  It should always be worn as instructed and stored in it's case when it is not in use.  If you fail to keep your retainer in its case, terrible things can happen to it.   When you take your retainers out of your mouth you immediately place them in their protective case.

                                               

For some strange reason, dogs love to chew on retainers.  If you have a dog, keep your retainer in its case and out of reach.

	Remember there is an additional charge to replace or repair retainers that have been lost or broken.
	Use caution when eating            .

It is important to keep your teeth stable, so they will become more secure in their new position.  Our office feels that retainers should be worn full-time for at least the first 3 months after the braces are removed and then at night only there after.  This treatment schedule can vary from patient to patient.  How long should I wear my retainers?   Our answer is  "retention is for life."

If you ever have any problems, question or concerns, please feel free to contact our office by

                                       (301)333-3900.  

 To send E-mail to our office, Please click on the  "mail box icon".

                                                                          

You can page me directly from this site, by clicking on the "pager Icon". You must have the my (P.I.N.) pager number before completing a page.  You will be given the pin number at the beginning of treatment.

                               

 

           

                                                  David E, Harmon, Jr., DDS, MSD, PA CopyrightŪ