It’s been a long road, but the big day is finally here: you’re getting your braces off! No more adjustments! No more floss threaders! No more guilt associated with sneaking tortilla chips!

Getting your braces off really is something to celebrate. But your ortho treatment isn’t over yet. There’s still one more step, and it might be the most important one: retention.

Without effectively retaining teeth in their new, improved positions, the time you spent in braces might all be for nothing. About 25 percent of ortho patients end up needing retreatment because they didn’t wear their retainers properly. That’s why Drs. Chris and Martin provide each patient with a custom retainer after the main portion of treatment is finished.

Your retainer will become your new best friend. You’ll initially need to wear it around the clock, only taking it out to eat and clean your teeth. In time, you’ll be able to leave it out during the day, but you should still sleep with it in place every night. And don’t forget to clean it regularly!

By using your retainer as directed, you’ll be able to keep the new smile you fought so hard to get. To learn more about orthodontic retainers in Bixby, Glenpool, Sapulpa, Jenks, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso and Okmulgee, Oklahoma, or to schedule your visit with our orthodontists, please call True Smile Orthodontics today at 918-364-2222. You can also start planning your visit by clicking the “Schedule an Appointment” button at the top of the page.