Retention and post-treatment care – what is it?
Removing the braces does not end the care. Retention helps stabilize the achieved tooth position and detect unwanted changes early. In orthodontics, the solution should not result solely from the appearance of individual teeth. We assess the entire bite, jaw relationship, function and biological conditions.
The plan is created after research and appropriate documentation. The doctor explains the purpose of the therapy, possible alternatives, expected stages and the importance of the patient's cooperation. Thanks to this, the decision is conscious and treatment does not come down to choosing a specific product.
Retention after orthodontic treatment protects the result during the period of tissue remodeling and subsequent natural changes that occur throughout life. It may include permanent retainers, removable retainers, or a combination of both. The wearing regimen is individual and depends on the type of malocclusion, the course of therapy and the stability of the occlusal contacts. The patient should know how to control the retention wire, when to replace the brace, and what to do if the retainer no longer fits. In our office in Chorzów, we also conduct retention checks for patients from Katowice and people previously treated in other facilities, because a quick reaction to a small shift may limit the scope of further correction.