At Ortom Orthodontics, we guarantee life-long outcomes. We can achieve them by including retainers in every treatment, and through active cooperation by patients.

At Ortom, retention is wireless, with a digital retention system called Vivera.

Upper Teeth Retention

There are different retention methods; the choice between one type of retention and another will depend on the initial situation of teeth, patient’s age, or gum conditions.
This is a list of some types of retention:

Upper Retention with Plate

A plate is a removable device, it features hooks for back teeth and a wire in the front area. It must be used 24 hours per day during three months, and it is removed for eating.

After 3 months, it can be used only for sleeping, but it is very important to continue using it. If the patient loses it or it gets deteriorated, we will provide a new one.

Hygiene is simple: it must be washed with a toothbrush and soap and water; and if considered necessary, it can be washed with special tablets for this type of device that you will find in the pharmacy.
Upper Retention with Fixed Wire and Invisible Retainer

The other retention method for upper teeth is through a fixed wire affixed to teeth from behind, to which we will also add an invisible retainer as back-up. The invisible retainer is a cover made of plastic material and adapted to teeth.

The invisible retainer is only used at night. If the fixed wire gets bent, the fixed retainer will be used at all times until your appointment when it will be fixed. The invisible retainer must also be used 24 hours per day in case that you notice that it fits less easily or feels tighter than some days ago; in this case, you should also ask for an appointment for a control visit.

This device is washed with soap and water; and if necessary, specific cleaning tablets for devices can be used.

Lower Teeth Retention

In the lower dental arch, the most usual method is using a wire affixed from behind, from canine tooth to canine tooth. This method of retention is also invisible.

It is important to be careful if you are going to bite into very hard food with your incisors, and confirm periodically if it is still well affixed to all teeth. If it gets detached, we will cement it again at our office

It is important to increase hygiene behind the lower incisors, to prevent the development of plaque.