Life After Braces

Congratulations! You now have a brand new, straight smile! While we want you to enjoy your new found freedom there are some things to consider to keep your new smile straight and healthy for life.

Retainers

The fact that you have completed orthodontic treatment does not ensure a lifetime of perfectly straight teeth. After braces are removed we provide retainers to support your teeth in their new position whilst the bone around them becomes firmer. Retainers can be fixed (glued on) or removable. Removable retainers have the advantage that brushing and flossing are far quicker and more effective. However, fixed retainers do not rely on compliance.

Initially, removable retainers are worn 24 hrs a day but soon only for ten hours (mainly at nights). Most patients continue to wear retainers until beyond the end of growth, and until well after the wisdom teeth have been removed (if necessary).

As retainer wear is free, easy and effective, many patients continue wearing for many years into the future.

Tooth movement

Some tooth movement is likely to occur after braces are removed even when wearing retainers. Often this movement is so slight it is unnoticeable. However, proper retainer compliance is essential to minimize movement. Patients who do not faithfully wear their retainers can see a major shifting of their teeth and encounter other adverse effects.

After one to three years of wearing retainers and removal of wisdom teeth, the teeth are as stable as can be expected. Any change after that time is due to natural causes, including growth and maturation which continue throughout life. Shifting of the teeth occurs even in people who have not had orthodontic treatment. Therefore slight irregularity, particularly of the lower front teeth, may sometimes have to be accepted as the best possible result under the circumstances.

Nevertheless, the vast majority of patients achieve a significant improvement in the position of the teeth and maintain that improvement for many years, and believe the investment in their smile has been well worthwhile!

Regular check-ups

We recommend you continue to visit your dentist on a regular basis after receiving orthodontic treatment. They will be able to keep an assessment of any movement and advise you on any other dental problems that may occur.

If you are experiencing any problems with your fixed retainer or you lose you removable retainer you can still call and make an appointment at Greater Springfield Orthodontics, even after your braces have been removed. We want you to keep your straight, healthy smile for life and will continue to see patients with any concerns even after their orthodontic treatment has officially concluded.

If you are unsure whether to make an appointment with us or if your regular dentist would be more appropriate simply call and discuss your options with the friendly staff. We will be able to advise you and ensure you get the treatment you need.

Karen Rands
The most efficient and proffesional allied health provider I have ever been to!
Karen Rands
2022-01-31
Kelly Alzate
Excellent service from the very first consultation. No hidden costs or surprises, we opted for the Sure Smile which gave my daughter fantastic results in only 12 months. Friendly and professional staff, flexible appointments that fit around school hours. Highly recommended.
Kelly Alzate
2022-01-20
Sim Gumi
Myself and my brothers have all had braces provided by greater Springfield orthodontist and the care given to us has been exceptional. They have always been helpful in assisting the on going care to make sure our teeth stay perfect and are so very professional, absolutely great staff.
Sim Gumi
2021-12-29
Donald Carmichael
Highly recommend this practice, from the very first phone call, Melinda was very friendly, knowledgeable, caring and informative, explained the process for my daughters potential braces requirement and what I was up for financially. Arranged appointment quickly and on the day was highly proficient,caring and understanding. Dr Southall explained potential options simply and recommendations from his perspective. A very professional organization with friendly caring staff.
Donald Carmichael
2021-12-02
H Q
Really inpatient, if you are 5 minutes late and you will be rescheduled to 2 months’ later date. Worst service ever.
H Q
2021-11-25
Nathan Nelson
Great service, I highly recommend!!!
Nathan Nelson
2021-11-15
Jerome Joseph
Highly recommend coming to Greater Springfield orthodontics. The team responses quickly for appointment times and are very caring.
Jerome Joseph
2021-11-12
Angelique Fourie
Highly recommend. From my son's first consultation a few years ago with Dr Southall to getting braces with Dr Clare and the continued care with Sharyn, the process has been easy, well explained, and made affordable for us. The whole team at GSO has been great to deal with.
Angelique Fourie
2021-11-09
Divine
I would like to give a very BIG thank you to Dr Natasha Clare and the rest of the amazing staff. I highly recommend Greater Springfield Orthodontics, especially for adult braces. My braces were barely visible & just took 17 months to give me the smile I wanted! The whole process was seamless and very easy going, to my surprise. The Suresmile Technology was great! The kind reception staff were very flexible with my schedule & I was never afraid to ask questions and raise any queries. The whole team was just outstanding.Thank you! 5 stars.
Divine
2021-08-16

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Brookwater Village