Retention Phase

After Dr. Fulton removes your braces, you will enter the retention phase of your orthodontic treatment. The retention phase is intended to help you preserve your beautiful smile.

It has been the experience of most orthodontists that 80% to 90% of orthodontic correction can be maintained. Some adaptive changes to your teeth may occur over time as you use your teeth. This is not a failure of treatment, but a natural process to be expected as you grow older. If you wish to provide the most protection for your orthodontic results, permanent retainer wear should be considered. This phase is your responsibility.

Dr. Fulton's Retention Phase Program includes:

• Initial Retainers
• Four follow-up Visits 1, 3, 9 and 12 months after treatment completion

Additional Charges:

• There will be a minimal charge of $35.00 - $50.00 for each office visit beyond the four included visits. If further treatment is necessary, services will be rendered at our usual charge.
• If retainers are not worn and the teeth shift, there will be a fee for re-treatment.

To Maintain Retention, Please Contact Our Office Immediately If:

• There is any change in the fit of your retainers.
• Your retainers are lost or broken.

Retainer Replacement:

Your original set of retainers is included as part of your initial orthodontic fee. There will be a charge for any replacements. Currently, our retainer charges start at $125.00 each, depending on the type of retainer made specifically for you.

Retainer Care

Retainers and other removable orthodontic appliances should be cleaned regularly. Brush the appliance daily with your toothbrush and some toothpaste. Pay particular attention to the side of the appliance that comes in contact with the roof of your mouth or gums.

Another option is to soak the appliance in a cleaning solution that is advertised as a dental cleaner. Ask Dr. Fulton about which solution to use. Some cleaning solutions can corrode wires or other metallic areas on orthodontic appliances.

When brushing or soaking your appliance, never use hot water, which can distort the plastic and make the appliance unusable. When your retainer is not in your mouth, keep it in the case that you received from Dr. Fulton. Also, keep it away from your pets. Dogs and cats will think it’s a toy and have it chewed to pieces in no time.

Be careful when you are dining with company not to wrap your retainer in a napkin because retainers are frequently forgotten and thrown away with the napkin in the trash.

For more information about retainers, check out this brochure from the American Association of Orthodontists.

AAO Brochure: Retainers