What Next?
Your teeth have been realigned Congratulations!! Chances are you got used to having your braces on so, after getting braces off, feeling the surface of your teeth for the first time can feel a little bit different, and particularly smooth. It’s time to enjoy your brilliant new smile. The next step is called retention. Retainers are utilised to hold your teeth in their new position. Retainers can either be removable or permanently cemented invisible wires = permanent fixed lingual wire retainers (PFLR).The PFLR has been in existence for over 50years and has been extensively researched and refined by Dr Robert Cerny of Hunter Valley Orthodontics. Most patients treated by Hunter Valley Orthodontics will be fitted with PFLR as the results obtained are superior to removable retainers. Removable retainers are still issued in some cases and your orthodontist will advise you if and when they are required. You must wear and look after your retainer as instructed, otherwise your teeth may move toward their original positions and the benefit of wearing braces will be lost. The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected!
Patients treated by Hunter Valley Orthodontics will be fitted with Permanent Fixed Lingual Retention wires. These are bonded to the teeth and the results are superior to removable retainers. Patients with these bonded retainers can eat normally, clean and floss daily and if they are playing contact sport, must wear a mouth guard. The Permanent Fixed Wires are bonded to the back of the teeth and therefore are not visible. They are comfortable and with normal brushing and flossing they don’t cause tooth or gum disease. The Bonded Retainers stay in place for as long as you want your front teeth to remain straight otherwise your teeth have potential to relapse.