Braces & Invisalign in Arlington Heights and Deerfield, IL
At Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics, our goal is simple: we want everyone to enjoy a confident, healthy, and attractive smile. Proudly serving families throughout Arlington Heights, Deerfield, and nearby communities, we offer a wide range of orthodontic options, from traditional metal braces to advanced ClearCorrect clear aligners. Our experienced orthodontists tailor every treatment plan specifically to your individual needs and lifestyle. However, regardless of the orthodontic method you and your orthodontist select, there’s a crucial final step to ensuring your smile lasts a lifetime: retention.
Why is Wearing a Retainer Important?
The excitement of having your braces removed or completing your aligner treatment is understandable—you’ve finally achieved your dream smile! Yet, your orthodontic journey isn’t finished just yet. Following the active treatment stage, you’ll enter what’s known as the retention phase, a critical period to secure the results you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Retention matters because although your teeth have moved into their ideal positions, the surrounding gums, ligaments, and tissues haven’t fully adjusted. Without additional support, your teeth naturally tend to shift back toward their previous alignment. Wearing a retainer as directed will maintain your teeth’s positions, allowing your mouth to permanently adapt, preserving your beautiful results for years to come.
Caring for and Wearing Your Retainers
Consistency is key during the retention phase. To prevent teeth from shifting, it’s vital to wear your retainer exactly as recommended by your orthodontist each day. Retainers are delicate and can be expensive to replace, so diligent care is necessary.
We advise patients to keep retainers in one of two safe places at all times—in your mouth or securely stored in the protective case provided. Regular cleaning is also essential. Brush your retainer gently with toothpaste each time you remove it, and occasionally soak it in water mixed with a denture-cleaning tablet for additional freshness. With proper attention, your retainers will effectively protect your investment in a new smile.
Contact Your Orthodontist in Deerfield and Arlington Heights
The retention stage is the final and perhaps most important step in orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions about retainer use or maintenance, or if you’re ready to start your own smile transformation, please contact our friendly orthodontic offices in Arlington Heights and Deerfield. We’re eager to support you in achieving and maintaining the beautiful smile you deserve!