By: Lee Ann Brady DMD
Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.org
Patients tend to want to spend as little time as possible in their retainers after orthodontic treatment. It’s common in my practice for patients to ask me how long they have to wear them, with the implicit understanding that an extended time period is undesirable.
As dentists, we don’t want to give the patient bad news, but we also want to ensure they receive the best healthcare possible. In this case, we can benefit most from looking at the question with an orthodontist’s perspective.
Though there isn’t a ‘right’ answer, we can find one that will serve our purposes best.
Why You Need a Strategy for Dealing with Questions About Retainers
I dislike questions about retainers because there isn’t a simple answer. It makes me uncomfortable when patients ask.
For one thing, practicing dentistry has shown me the evidence that relapse occurs after ortho.
Patients will ask about retainers immediately at the end of their Invisalign trays or even years later when they still have a lingual wire. Instead of speculating about how to respond, I’d like to consult with an expert.
The short answer to orthodontic retention is that it’s never OK for patients to stop wearing retainers. But clearly, this is not going to be satisfactory for many patients.
The long answer requires us to ask orthodontists:
- What, with regard to retention, is the orthodontist responsible for?
- When does their responsibility end?
- What do I do if I have a patient whose orthodontist cannot or will not see them for retention?
- Should I be responsible for a patient’s retention?
- If so, what should I know about retainers?
It’s likely we will have to deal with patients curious about their retainers. This means we should have a strategy in place to answer their questions.
In addressing these questions, it’s important to collaborate with orthodontic experts to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
Pankey offers the resources and connections to specialists who can provide guidance on orthodontic retention strategies. By leveraging such resources, dentists can confidently navigate patient inquiries and ensure optimal post-orthodontic outcomes.
