When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment and you will be referred for a fiberotomy (see notes at bottom of page). We will monitor your treatment for 24 months after your treatment is complete. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing. Brush your retainer with toothpaste and cool water before placing it back in your mouth.
Removable Retainers
Upper and lower clear retainers are removable. You must be careful when handling your retainers. Be sure and remove them by slipping them off from both sides at the same time. Do not boil them or leave the out where pets can get them. Always have them in two places; your mouth or in the case. The clear retainers are harder to find if you don't put them in their case.
Your retainers should be worn every night for 2 years. After 24 months, you will need to wear them every other night and then one night a week. Never throw them away. You should periodiadicaly try them in to make sure your teeth are not moving. Any time they feel tight, you will need to wear them more often. If they break, crack or do not fit you will need to replace them ASAP. If you clench of grind your teeth while sleeping, your retainers will not last as long. Since the retainers are made from a suck-down exact mold, the plaster model breaks when we remove the retainer, thus we do not have models on file that we can make a new one.
Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far.
Bonded retainers upper and lower, which are not removable. Be careful in biting down on your front teeth with hard or crunchy foods. Call us right away if these become loose.
Maxillary wrap-around retainers are your upper retainers, which are removable. You must be very careful when handling your upper retainers, as they are fragile and more costly to replace. You will be given a special case for your retainer(s). Please make sure you keep them in this case when not wearing them. To clean these retainers, brush them with toothpaste (sometimes with denture cleaner) using cool water.
Your retainers should be worn every night for 2 years. After 24 months, you will need to wear them every other night and then one night a week. Never throw them away. You should periodiadicaly try them in to make sure your teeth are not moving. Any time they feel tight, you will need to wear them more often.
Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far.
Fiberotomy
What is a Fiberotomy?
A fiberotomy is a simple surgical incision made between the tooth and gum. Most importantly it releases the memory and tension in the fibers that connect the teeth and the gum tissues.
Why is it done?
Studies carried out at several universities have found that orthodontically moved teeth have a tendency to move back to their original position. Initially crowded or rotated teeth are most susceptible. The elastic fibers around the gumline are stretched during orthodontic movement. These elastic fibers tend to cause the teeth to rebound toward their original positions after orthodontic treatment. Retainer wear is also necessary but fiberotomies help to insure long term post-orthodontic stability. Release of this tension, by using a fiberotomy, significantly improved stability of the teeth. Even if complete stability is not gained, the amount of relapse is considerably reduced.
What can I expect?
Very little discomfort is expected. After the injections or topical numbing gel is placed, a small incision is made around the prescribed teeth. Post-operatively there is usually minimal discomfort that can be controlled with Tylenol.The fibers re-attach to the teeth in six to seven hours. There may be slight spacing between the teeth due to swelling of the tissues. This usually resolves itself within a few days.
What should I do after the surgery?
If a dressing is placed, it may be removed a few hours after the procedure. Warm salt water rinses (1/2 tsp of salt in an 8oz glass of water) are appropriate for three or four days after surgery. Begin flossing as soon as possible twice a day for 30 days after surgery. Proper re-attachment of the fibers to the teeth depends a great deal on your daily cleaning. Please wear your retainers full time (24/7) for at least 3 days after surgery.