There is a critical part to orthodontic treatment called retention, where an upper and lower retainer is worn to stabilize the teeth. As a patient you have invested your time, efforts and finances, which is what the retainers are there to protect.

To put it simply: the gum tissue has a “strong memory” that, if not stabilized post-treatment, could possibly cause the teeth to shift out of alignment.

At our Bellevue orthodontic office we advise our patient’s to wear the retainers full time for the first year after the removal of the braces. By full time wear we mean all day and all night, only removing the retainers to brush and eat. At the one year anniversary mark of having the braces off, patients have the option to go to nighttime wear only. Once the second year anniversary approaches we advise our patients to wear the retainers 3-4 nights per week, eventually getting to the point of wearing them a night or two per week to maintain that beautiful smile. *Unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Carr.  

Many assume after a year or two of consistent retainer wear the teeth are stable enough to discard the retainers and forget about them forever. This is untrue because many things can cause the teeth to shift: a high surface area from a restoration or filling, periodontal issues and as we age in general are all factors that can contribute to misalignment of the teeth. This can be avoided by retention with upper and lower retainers.

As you can see, wearing the retainers is a lifetime of dedication to maintain a confident, gorgeous smile!

To explain where this phrase of ‘tightening the braces’ comes from, it is the feeling that patients get when we change the arch wire that runs from bracket to bracket or when an auxiliary has been added. Because when we change arch wires it is usually to a larger size or different shape, it fills more of the bracket slot causing this “tight” feeling. And don’t worry- no screwdrivers, Allen wrenches or ratchets are involved!

There is no cranking, turning, pulling or twisting that happens with the technology of the Damon braces we use at the office of Dr. Alan Carr. Gone are the days of having to twist and pull a colored elastic tie around each bracket, now we lay the arch wire in each bracket slot and close the gate to secure. Not only does this cause less discomfort for the patient each appointment but without the elastic ties on every tooth it is more hygienic for oral health.

Technology has allowed us to provide a system that benefits our patients in many ways but it seems that old saying of “tightening the braces” is sticking around. We hope this explanation of where this comes from vs. what actually happens is clarifying for those in question and the curious!

Each week a Facebook post will be made describing a location, it is up to you to do some research or make your best guess as to where in the world we are describing. You can email your guess to:  melissa@drcarr.com

We recommend you “Like” our Facebook page to easily participate in this contest. The contest ends one week from the last post, which will be made August 31st, and the winner receives an iPod Shuffle in the color of their choice!

Be sure to “Like” our Facebook page to participate and check weekly for each contest post. The winner will be receiving an iPod Shuffle- in the color of their choice!

Stay tuned for more details!

As a Damon braces provider an option we offer our patients is the sapphire-crystal Damon Clear brackets.

We want to remind everyone our Special Offer- the clear brackets at no additional cost- will be running through the end of this month. That leaves only a few days to take advantage of these great savings so be sure to tell your friends, family members and co-workers to call in for their complimentary exam before the end of June!

In our front waiting room look for the Current Office Events boards to see what’s new at Dr. Carr’s orthodontic office and pictures of smiles designed by Dr. Carr!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at your Bellevue orthodontist, Dr. Alan Carr’s office, feel free to give us a call.

When you come in for your next orthodontic appointment look all around the office and try to spot as many of these pictures as you can find, the person with the best guess will win!

This contest ends June 30th, 2011.

Good luck from Dr. Carr and team!

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Thank you,

Dr. Carr & Team