Preserving Your Investment

The completion of active orthodontic treatment marks an important milestone, but maintaining your beautiful new smile requires ongoing attention through proper retention. At Dr. Ora Canter Orthodontics, we emphasize that retainers are not merely an optional afterthought but a crucial component of successful long-term results. Without proper retention, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions—a phenomenon called relapse. Dr. Canter's specialized three-year orthodontic training at Stony Brook University, where she was one of only three residents selected per class, has equipped her with deep understanding of the biological factors affecting tooth stability. She creates personalized retention protocols for each patient based on their specific treatment, growth patterns, and risk factors for relapse. This evidence-based approach to retention ensures the time, effort, and financial investment you've made in your orthodontic treatment continues to reward you with a beautiful smile for years to come.

Customized Retention Options

Dr. Canter offers several types of retainers, each with distinct advantages, and will recommend the best option or combination for your specific needs. Removable clear retainers provide excellent tooth position maintenance while remaining nearly invisible when worn. These custom-fitted trays cover the entire arch and are particularly effective for maintaining tooth alignment. Traditional Hawley retainers feature a durable acrylic base with a wire component that holds teeth in position while allowing for minor adjustments if needed. For reliable, maintenance-free retention, fixed or bonded retainers consist of a thin wire permanently attached to the back surface of your front teeth, providing continuous retention without relying on patient compliance. Many retention plans include a combination of these options for optimal results. During your final appointment at our welcoming Forest Hills office, Dr. Canter will thoroughly explain your specific retention protocol, including how and when to wear your retainers and how to properly care for them to ensure longevity.

Lifetime Retention Strategy

Modern orthodontic philosophy increasingly recognizes that retention is not a temporary phase but a lifelong commitment to maintaining your smile. Dr. Canter embraces this contemporary approach, educating patients that some level of retention will always be necessary to preserve optimal alignment. The initial retention period typically involves wearing retainers full-time except during meals and oral hygiene routines, gradually transitioning to nighttime wear as directed. While the intensity of retention needs may decrease over time, some level of retainer wear—typically several nights per week—is recommended indefinitely. Dr. Canter's dedication to her patients extends well beyond active treatment, with her team providing ongoing support throughout your retention journey. Regular retention check-ups allow Dr. Canter to evaluate the stability of your results and make any necessary adjustments to your retention plan. Her commitment to excellence, evidenced by her Summa Cum Laude academic achievement and full scholarship to NYU College of Dentistry, ensures that your retention protocol is managed with the same precision and care as your active treatment.