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The active phase of your orthodontic treatment is considered complete when all of your teeth have been moved into their ideal positions and your bite pattern is functionally sound. Once you have worked hard to achieve the healthy smile that you desire, you’ll need to make a firm commitment to keeping it that way – you’ll need to wear a retainer.

We will provide you with a custom-fitted appliance that will work to maintain the position of your teeth for the rest of your life. However, it will only be effective if it is worn as directed and cared for properly.

Here’s What You Should Know about Retainers

Your retainer should be worn at all times, unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Fleming.
Remove the retainer when eating, but remember to store it in the case! Don’t risk losing your retainer in the lunchroom or a restaurant.
Your retainer must be cleaned thoroughly each day with cool water. Brush it to remove plaque and odors. For added freshness, follow up with Efferdent® or a similar orthodontic appliance cleaner.
ALWAYS store your retainer in its case when it isn’t in your mouth. Pets are known to chew on misplaced retainers!
If speaking is difficult at first, practice speaking out loud, reading, or singing until you feel more comfortable.
Handle your retainer with care to prevent accidental damage. If the retainer is ever lost or damaged, please contact our office immediately.
Don’t try to ‘do it yourself.’ If your retainer needs to be adjusted, or of you have other concerns, just give us a call.
Remember to bring your retainer to every appointment. We’ll need to check it for proper fit and performance.
With proper care, your retainer can last for years. Avoid purchasing a costly replacement by treating it with care.
Remember to take your retainer out whenever you go swimming.
Retainers are heat sensitive and can be damaged if you aren’t careful. Keep them away from hot water, the washing machine, the dashboard of a hot car, your pockets, and never crumple it inside of a napkin.

Retention is Essential

A retainer is the only way to prevent your teeth from shifting and drifting. If you have additional questions about using this appliance, please contact us today.

Cleaned and Sanitized

We Are Ready For Your Appointment

We are taking action to ensure your health. We want to make sure you are able to continue the care you need in a safe and sanitized environment.

Here is what we are doing to protect our patients and ourselves:

Increased PPE including gloves, masks, eyewear, full face shields, and surgical gowns
Parking Lot Waiting Room (patients wait in car until ready to be taken to operatory)
Fewer patients seen at a time to allow us to maintain social distancing
Air Filtration/Purifier – Medical Grade HEPA
Disinfect operatory after each patient appointment
Disinfect all surfaces after every touch
Nightly deep cleaning with disinfectant

Covid-19 Screening, taking pulse oxygen level and temperature on all patients upon arrival
Taking the temperature of all team members twice a day
Hand Sanitizer at check-in and throughout office
No instruments for patient use will be touched by ungloved hands
High speed suction with all aerosol procedures
Hydrogen Peroxide rinses on every patient to reduce viral loads

Protect yourself and others by doing the following, simple things as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

Wash your hands often, at least 20 seconds, with soap and water. Use sanitizer containing 60% alcohol in a pinch.
Avoid touching your face, specifically eyes, nose, mouth.
Stay home as much as possible.

‘Social Distance’ at least 6 feet.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
Wear a mask when you go out in out in public

Please contact our office if you have any concerns.

Retainer Instructions

Here’s What You Should Know about Retainers

Retention is Essential