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Retainers
After completing your orthodontic treatment you will need retainers to keep your
teeth straight. At first you will need to wear your retainers every night, but
even after two years Dr. Martin recommends that you wear retainers one or two
nights a week indefinitely to keep your teeth straight. There are three types of
retainers that Dr. Martin uses in his office:
 | Clear plastic retainer |
| Bonded retainer (non-removable) |
| Traditional wire retainer |
 A clear plastic retainer is normally placed on the upper teeth one or two
days after the braces are removed. It resembles the Invisalign appliance. It is normally worn only at night and lasts an average of 24 months.
After it wears out Dr. Martin will replace it with a traditional wire retainer.
 A
bonded retainer is normally placed on the tongue side of the lower teeth after
the braces are removed. It is a wire bonded to the teeth with composite. It is
important to floss under the wire daily with floss threaders. Sometimes this
type of retainer will be used for the upper teeth, but normally this is not possible
because it would interfere with your bite. A bonded retainer will remain in
place for several years. Eventually Dr. Martin will remove this retainer and
place a traditional wire retainer. Usually the bonded retainer is removed after
the wisdom teeth have either erupted or been removed.
A traditional wire retainer is normally placed after discontinuing use of either
the clear retainer or bonded retainer. This type of retainer has the added
benefit of being adjustable so that minor tooth movement is possible. Sometimes
a wire retainer can be worn full time instead of braces to correct mild
crowding.
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