Retention
Retention is the process of keeping your teeth straight following successful orthodontic treatment. Once orthodontic treatment has been completed, there is a high tendency for the teeth to shift out of position again.
Davis Orthodontics emphasizes that retention is a lifelong process. Your teeth can shift even after orthodontic treatment. There are many stressors such as school, work, and everyday life that play a part in muscle activity and movement.
As we age, our teeth continue to shift and move due to this muscle activity as well as bone changes to the jaws. The best way to protect your smile is your retainer. It is a template to keep your smile lasting forever.
Dr. Davis offers three types of retainers:
Hawley retainers: a removable retainer made up of metal wires and an acrylic base designed to fit comfortably in the roof of the mouth
Fixed retainers: permanent lingual retainers that are cemented to the backside of the lower canines
Essix retainers: a clear, removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of the upper or lower teeth
