INTRODUCTION
Your orthodontist has made your day. Your braces are coming off! Break out the caramel apples!

But, wait. Now he/she is saying he/she will fit you for retainers. You vaguely remember watching frantic parents dig through the pizza parlor's garbage for those mouth contraptions. What good are they? What can they do?

After braces have straightened your teeth, retainers are used for maintenance.

They are:

• Usually removable
  
• Fashionable...??! Some are, truly!
  
• Sometimes used instead of braces
  
• Occasionally prescribed again years after orthodontic treatment has been completed
  
• Vitally important to maintain your newly gorgeous smile