Lower Retaining Wires
The orthodontic retainer that has been placed is on the inside of your lower front teeth. It’s referred to as a “bonded lingual retaining wire”. As long as the wire is correctly attached to your teeth, it will hold them reasonably straight.
Care of the Wire
Please be aware that you are responsible for the care of the wire. Proper care includes:
- Careful, thorough brushing and flossing. This must be done daily. In addition to brushing, it’s essential that you floss between your teeth and into the gum areas below the wire. In order to do the best cleaning, most patients use a “floss threader” or “Super Floss”. When flossing be careful to not push too hard on the wire. This can bend or dislodge it and will cause your teeth to shift. Failure to clean your teeth carefully will result in dental disease.
- If you’re not certain how to clean around the wire, just ask and we’ll be happy to show you the correct methods.
- Do not pick at the wire.
- Do not bend the wire. Unusually hard, sticky or brittle foods can bend the wire and shift your teeth.
Teeth Shift With Age………It All Shifts With Age
As you get older your face will change. A great deal of research* has proven that just as your face changes with age, so will your teeth shift with age. This happens whether you’ve had braces or not. Those that shift the most are your lower front teeth. As a matter of research at the University of Washington at Seattle, retaining wires were left in place for more than 10 years. After removal of the wire, teeth began to shift within a matter of months. So, retaining wires are a bit of orthodontic magic and will nearly stop teeth from shifting with age. As long as the wire is correctly in place, your teeth will stay reasonably well aligned. So, if you want your teeth to stay reasonably well aligned, the wire must me left in place and maintained for the rest of your life.
What If I Have A Problem??
I’ll be seeing you to check the wire after it’s placed. Unless the wire is bent or dislodged there are no additional office visit fees for 3 months past the time your braces are removed and the wire has been placed. However, if you think something isn’t right be certain to contact the office and come in quickly (515 278 2888 or showusyoursmile@mchsi.com ). Failure to do so may result in crooked teeth, more braces, and added expense. If that happens everyone will be upset. So, please be careful and don’t hesitate to contact me if needed.
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*Stability and Long-Term Change; Seminars in Orthodontics, Volume 5, Numbver 33; September, 1999
