Phase 1 Orthodontics in Miramar: Why Age 7 Really Matters
Your seven-year-old loses a baby tooth, and you think, "Great, we've got time before braces."
But here's what most parents don't realize: age 7 is often the sweet spot for orthodontists to spot problems that, if caught early, can mean easier treatment later—or sometimes no braces at all.
This isn't fear-mongering.
It's just how growth works.
And understanding Phase 1 orthodontics might be the single smartest decision you make for your child's smile.
What's Really Happening With Phase 1 Orthodontics?
Phase 1 is interceptive treatment, meaning we intercept problems while your child is still growing.
It typically happens between ages 6 and 10, when your child has a mix of baby and adult teeth.
We're not giving them a full set of braces yet (that's Phase 2, usually in the teen years).
Instead, we're gently guiding their jaw growth and creating space for adult teeth to come in properly.
Think about it like this: if you catch a crowding problem at 7, we can work with your child's natural growth to prevent extraction of healthy teeth later.
If you wait until age 13, you might be looking at way more invasive treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Not because every kid needs braces.
But because some kids benefit from early intervention, and you can't know unless someone looks.
Why Age 7 Is The Sweet Spot For Detecting Orthodontic Issues
At age 7, your child's jaw is still developing rapidly.
Their first permanent molars are coming in, and their facial bones are soft and responsive to gentle guidance.
This is the window where we can actually steer growth in the right direction.
By the time your kid hits their teens, those bones have hardened, and our options get more limited.
During Phase 1, we're watching for patterns that respond really well to growth guidance:
- Crossbites where upper and lower teeth don't meet properly (left alone, this can affect how your child's jaw grows)
- Severe crowding when baby teeth are packed too tight (this often signals that adult teeth will be even more crowded)
- Open bites gaps between upper and lower front teeth (often linked to thumb sucking or mouth breathing)
- Underbite or overbite patterns when we guide jaw growth early, we sometimes avoid surgical options later
- Mouth breathing habits we identify these and help redirect, which actually supports better facial development
None of these are emergencies.
But all of them benefit from early attention.
What Happens At Your First Phase 1 Evaluation?
You come in, and we spend real time understanding your child's history.
Are they a mouth breather?
Did they suck their thumb?
Do they have any habits we should know about?
This context matters because it tells us what we're actually working with.
Then we do a visual exam and take low-dose digital X-rays and often a 3D scan to see the full picture of jaw growth and tooth positioning.
These imaging tools show us things we can't see with our eyes alone, and they help us explain what's happening in a way parents actually understand.
If your child is a good candidate for Phase 1, we'll talk through options.
If they're not ready yet, we'll tell you that too.
We believe in only recommending treatment when it makes sense, not because it's profitable.
That honesty is how you build trust.
The Real Question: Will My Child Need Braces Later?
Honestly?
Sometimes Phase 1 interceptive treatment is so effective that Phase 2 (comprehensive braces) is much simpler or shorter.
Sometimes we prevent problems that would have required extraction.
And sometimes, yes, your child will still need Phase 2, but it'll be way more straightforward because we guided growth early.
The point is: you'll know the trajectory.
There are no surprises at 14 when your teen "suddenly" needs braces.
You've been working with their growth from the beginning.
Does Your Child Show Signs They Need Phase 1?
If your child has any of these signs, a Phase 1 evaluation makes sense:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth (even baby teeth)
- Teeth that meet abnormally (crossbite, overbite, underbite)
- Mouth breathing (lips apart most of the day)
- Still sucking their thumb or fingers past age 5
- Speech or chewing difficulties
- A family history of orthodontic issues
But even if none of these apply, the AAO recommendation still stands: a professional evaluation by age 7 is smart.
It's not a commitment to treatment.
It's simply a baseline to know what you're working with.
Why SMILE-FX Approach To Phase 1 Stands Out
At SMILE-FX in Miramar, every Phase 1 evaluation is done by a board-certified orthodontist specialist, not a general dentist dabbling in braces.
That matters because we're trained to see growth patterns and predict how they'll evolve.
We use cutting-edge 3D imaging to understand your child's unique jaw development without unnecessary radiation exposure.
We also know that a seven-year-old doesn't experience orthodontics the way a teenager does.
Our VIP Tech suites are designed with kids in mind: noise-canceling headphones, virtual reality distraction, weighted blankets, snacks between appointments.
Our team knows how to talk to kids in a way that makes them feel safe, not scared.
Families from across Broward County, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Cooper City, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, and Weston choose SMILE-FX for Phase 1 because we combine clinical expertise with an environment where kids actually feel comfortable.
How Long Does Phase 1 Treatment Actually Take?
Usually 18 to 24 months.
It depends on the specific problem and how well your child's growth cooperates.
We monitor progress every 6 to 8 weeks to make sure we're on track.
This isn't a long commitment when you think about what you're preventing.
We're talking about potentially avoiding years of comprehensive braces later or even more expensive treatments.
What If We Skip Phase 1 Entirely?
Some kids are fine without it.
Their teeth come in naturally straight, their jaws develop perfectly, and they never need braces.
Others end up with more complex Phase 2 treatment later, sometimes including tooth extraction.
Early intervention often means simpler, shorter comprehensive treatment.
The risk of waiting isn't that something catastrophic will happen.
It's that you're giving up the best window to work with your child's natural growth.
Does Phase 1 Hurt Or Feel Uncomfortable?
Kids typically describe it as "pressure" rather than pain.
And because we're working with growth, not forcing teeth through bone, it's gentler than you'd think.
Plus, our VIP Tech approach means your child's experience is designed for comfort from day one.
Most kids actually look forward to their appointments because we've made it fun.
What If We're Not Ready For Treatment Yet?
We'll establish a baseline and keep an eye on growth patterns.
We monitor kids without active treatment too, so you're never guessing about what's happening.
It's a real partnership where we're looking out for your child's best interests.
Why Families Trust SMILE-FX For Phase 1 Orthodontics
The difference between SMILE-FX and a general dentist offering "braces and Phase 1" is specialization.
Our orthodontists have years of additional training beyond dental school.
We think in terms of growth patterns, facial development, and long-term outcomes, not just moving teeth.
Families from Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale make the drive to Miramar because they know Phase 1 is a big decision.
They want it in the hands of someone who has made thousands of these calls.
Someone who will tell them the truth, whether that's "your child is ready" or "let's wait and monitor."
We also understand that pediatric orthodontics is about more than teeth.
It's about confidence, growth, and reducing anxiety.
That's why every child gets the same white-glove experience: comfortable appointments, clear communication with parents, and a team that knows how to make a seven-year-old feel like they're in the safest, most interesting place on earth.
What About Clear Aligners For Kids?
While clear aligners and Invisalign are popular for teens and adults, Phase 1 treatment typically uses other approaches that work better with young children's developing jaws.
That said, we look at every kid individually to find what works best for them.
Ready To Know What's Ahead For Your Child?
A Phase 1 evaluation at SMILE-FX takes about an hour.
You'll get clarity on whether your child is growing on track, whether any intervention makes sense, and a long-term vision for their smile.
No pressure.
Just answers.
Book your FREE 3D scan and VIP smile consultation here, or call us in Miramar.
We also serve families across Broward County and South Florida, and we're worth the drive because your child's growth happens once.
Age 7 isn't too early to look.
And the peace of mind of knowing your child's orthodontic trajectory?
That's priceless.
Phase 1 orthodontics in Miramar is about catching problems early and setting your child up for a lifetime of confident smiles.
Phase 2 Orthodontics and Beyond: What Happens After Early Intervention Treatment
Your kid finished Phase 1.
Their jaw guided.
Their baby teeth made space for the adults.
Now what?
Phase 2 is where we finish the job, and it's way different than it would've been if you'd waited until they were 13.
The Transition From Phase 1 to Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment
Most kids move into Phase 2 around age 12 to 14 when almost all their permanent teeth have come in.
By this point, we've already done the heavy lifting.
Their jaw is in better position.
They have more space for adult teeth.
Phase 2 is about perfecting alignment and bite so everything works and looks great.
The big difference?
Phase 2 is faster and simpler because we worked with their growth instead of against it.
We're not fighting biology anymore.
We're just fine-tuning.
How Long Does Phase 2 Actually Take?
About 18 to 24 months on average.
Some kids are done in 12 months.
Some take closer to 30 months.
It depends on how much work Phase 1 did and how your kid's teeth respond to treatment.
But here's the thing: kids who skipped Phase 1 often need 24 to 36 months or more of Phase 2 work.
You're literally saving time by getting ahead of the problem.
What Treatment Options Exist for Phase 2?
You've got choices now.
Traditional braces are still the gold standard for comprehensive correction.
Metal braces.
Ceramic braces that blend with your teeth.
Both work fast and handle complex cases.
Clear aligners and Invisalign are another route, especially if your teen wants something less visible.
They work best when the heavy lifting of jaw correction is already done from Phase 1.
That's why Phase 1 matters so much.
It opens up better treatment options for Phase 2.
Why Teens Actually Prefer Clear Aligners After Phase 1
Teenagers care about appearance.
That's just real.
If we've already corrected the major jaw issues in Phase 1, clear aligners become a viable option for Phase 2.
Your teen gets the results without metal brackets.
They can eat normal food.
Cleaning is easier.
And they look like themselves while treatment happens.
But here's the catch: if they skipped Phase 1 and need major jaw correction, clear aligners aren't going to cut it.
Braces become the only real option.
Bite Correction During Phase 2
Phase 2 is where we fine-tune how your child's bite comes together.
We're talking about the exact contact between upper and lower teeth.
A good bite means even wear on teeth, easier chewing, less stress on the jaw joint, and a face that grows balanced.
Phase 1 got things started.
Phase 2 perfects it.
This is why bite correction is such a big deal.
A rushed or incomplete Phase 2 can mean problems later.
Tooth Extraction: Do We Still Need It?
Maybe, maybe not.
Here's the honest answer.
If Phase 1 did its job, we often avoided extraction completely.
But some kids still need it in Phase 2, especially if they have severe crowding or a genetic pattern that requires it.
The difference is that it's a choice we make because it's best for them, not because we missed the window to prevent the need.
And when we do extract, Phase 2 becomes more straightforward because we're working with space we intentionally created.
What Happens to Habit Corrections From Phase 1?
By Phase 2, most bad habits are already gone.
Mouth breathing has been redirected.
Tongue thrust patterns are corrected.
Thumb sucking stopped years ago.
Your kid has had time to develop better patterns, and Phase 2 just maintains what Phase 1 started.
If we skip Phase 1, we're still fighting these habits in Phase 2.
It makes everything harder.
Monitoring Growth During Phase 2
We still track growth in Phase 2, especially in the first year.
Some kids grow a lot during their early teens.
Others are basically done.
We take regular X-rays and check jaw position to make sure growth isn't throwing off our treatment plan.
If it is, we adjust.
This is another reason why having a board-certified orthodontist matters.
We know how to read growth patterns and adapt treatment.
The Cost Factor: Phase 1 Plus Phase 2
Yeah, doing both phases costs more upfront than jumping straight to Phase 2.
But let's do the math.
Phase 1 runs roughly 3,000 to 5,000.
Phase 2 with a solid foundation runs 4,000 to 6,000.
Without Phase 1, Phase 2 alone could be 6,000 to 8,000 or more, plus possible tooth extraction costs.
You're saving money in the long run.
Plus, you're saving your kid from potentially needing jaw surgery down the road, which costs 20,000 to 40,000.
Phase 1 is an investment, not an expense.
What About Retention After Phase 2?
This is the part nobody wants to hear about.
After Phase 2 ends, your kid needs a retainer.
Forever.
Not wearing it 24/7, but regularly.
Teeth want to move back to where they came from.
It's biology.
A good retention plan keeps the smile locked in.
We usually do a fixed retainer on the inside of the teeth plus a removable one they wear a few nights a week long-term.
This is non-negotiable if you want results to stick.
Can My Teen Do Phase 2 Without Phase 1?
Yes.
But you're making Phase 2 harder and longer.
We're basically trying to do jaw correction and tooth alignment at the same time.
Treatment takes longer.
Extraction risk goes up.
Results are sometimes less stable.
Your kid has more discomfort because we're working against their growth instead of with it.
It's possible.
It's just not ideal.
Real Talk: Phase 1 Kids Have Better Phase 2 Results
I've seen the difference for years.
Kids who had Phase 1 move through Phase 2 faster, with fewer complications, and end up with better bite stability.
Their teeth don't relapse as much.
Their jaw functions better.
Their smile stays better long-term.
It's not magic.
It's just working with biology instead of against it.
How We Monitor Phase 2 Progress
Appointments happen every 6 to 8 weeks, same as Phase 1.
We're checking bracket position, wire progression, and how the bite is coming together.
We take progress X-rays every 6 to 12 months to track tooth root movement and make sure everything is moving right.
Our cutting-edge technology helps us see exactly what's happening and adjust in real time.
This kind of precision is what separates good results from great results.
The Psychological Shift From Phase 1 to Phase 2
Phase 1 is about prevention and early guidance.
Phase 2 is about finishing strong and building confidence.
By Phase 2, your kid knows what to expect.
They've been in the chair.
They trust the process.
They're excited to see their smile come together.
That attitude shift makes Phase 2 smoother.
Kids are more compliant with appointments, care instructions, and wearing elastics.
Results come faster.
Does Phase 2 Hurt More Than Phase 1?
Not really.
It's different discomfort though.
Phase 2 involves more force because we're doing bigger movements with teeth that are fully rooted.
Kids describe it as pressure and mild soreness for a day or two after adjustments.
Nothing severe.
And because we've already fixed the major jaw problems, Phase 2 moves are smoother and less jarring.
Common Mistakes Parents Make During Phase 2
Not coming to appointments.
Teeth move slowly.
People think they can skip a month or two.
That adds months to treatment.
Another big one: not addressing elastic wear.
We give elastics to guide the bite.
If your kid doesn't wear them, we're not correcting what we're supposed to.
Poor oral hygiene is the third one.
Braces trap food and plaque.
Skip brushing and flossing, and your kid ends up with cavities and white spot marks that never go away.
What Happens at Your Phase 2 Consultation?
We take new X-rays and photos to compare to Phase 1 records.
We talk through treatment options based on your kid's preferences and what works best for their teeth.
We set timeline expectations and talk about cost.
We also discuss what comes after Phase 2: retention, lifestyle adjustments, long-term maintenance.
This is a real conversation, not a sales pitch.
Why SMILE-FX Handles Phase 2 Differently
We don't see Phase 2 as a separate thing.
We see it as the continuation of a plan we started in Phase 1.
Same doctor seeing your kid the whole time.
Same goals.
Consistent philosophy.
We use the most current technology for tracking progress, and we adjust treatment based on what we see, not just on a preset timeline.
Your kid isn't a case number.
They're a person we're helping get to their best smile.
FAQ: Phase 2 Questions Parents Ask
Can my kid play sports during Phase 2?
Yes, with a mouthguard.
Contact sports are fine.
Just protect the teeth.
Will Phase 2 affect speech?
Maybe slightly for the first week or two if they're getting braces.
Clear aligners have almost no speech impact.
Either way, they adjust quickly.
Can they play instruments?
Absolutely, especially with clear aligners.
Braces take a day or two to adjust to, but musicians adapt.
What if they get braces off early because treatment is ahead of schedule?
Great news, but we don't rush it.
Teeth need time to stabilize in their new position.
If we unbrace too early, relapse happens.
The Reality of Phase 2: It's Worth the Wait
Phase 2 is where you see the magic happen.
Your kid's smile transforms.
But it only transforms this well because Phase 1 laid the groundwork.
Straight teeth are one thing.
A healthy, stable, functional bite that lasts a lifetime is something else.
That's what two-phase treatment gets you.
Ready to Start or Continue Your Kid's Orthodontic Journey?
Whether your kid is ready for Phase 1 or Phase 2, the best time to start is now.
Growth doesn't wait.
Neither should you.
At SMILE-FX, we handle all treatable cases for kids, teens, and adults with the same precision and care.
We've built a practice that's different because we put your family's actual needs first.
Book your FREE 3D scan and VIP smile consultation here and find out exactly what Phase 1 and Phase 2 could do for your child.
No pressure.
Just real answers from orthodontists who actually care about getting this right.
Phase 2 orthodontics builds on Phase 1 success, delivering the kind of results and stability that make every year of treatment worth it.
Maintaining Your Orthodontic Results: The Real Talk About Life After Braces and Aligners
You're done with Phase 2.
Braces come off.
You take that first selfie with your new smile.
Everything feels perfect.
Then reality hits: your orthodontist hands you a retainer and says you need to wear it forever.
Forever.
Not the fun kind of forever, but the kind where if you stop, your teeth creep back to where they started.
This is the part nobody wants to hear about, but it's the difference between a smile that lasts and one that vanishes.
Why Teeth Want to Move Back and What That Means for You
Your teeth don't want to stay straight.
That sounds dramatic, but it's just biology.
Your teeth have memory.
They sat in one spot for years before braces, and they have a deep biological pull to go back there.
Even after Phase 1 and Phase 2 work, even after months of your orthodontist carefully moving every tooth into perfect alignment, your teeth will shift if you don't hold them in place.
This is called relapse, and it happens to everyone who stops wearing retention.
Think of it like this: braces and clear aligners are like training wheels.
They keep everything locked in while your teeth learn their new position.
Once you take the training wheels off, you need something else to keep the bike upright.
That's your retainer.
Different Types of Retainers and Which One Actually Works Best
You've got options here, and what works for someone else might not work for you.
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth, usually on your front teeth where relapse happens fastest.
It stays there permanently.
You can't lose it.
It doesn't require motivation to wear.
You just live with it.
The downside is you have to floss differently, and if it breaks, you need to get it replaced.
A removable retainer, usually clear like an aligner or made of wire and acrylic, is what you wear at night.
You have full control over it.
You can take it out when you eat or drink.
But here's the catch: it only works if you actually wear it.
Most people think they can wear it a few times a week and get results.
That's not how it works.
The best setup?
A combination.
Fixed retainer on the inside of your front teeth so you can't forget about it.
Plus a removable retainer you wear several nights a week, especially for the first year after braces come off.
The Timeline That Actually Matters for Retention
Year one after braces is critical.
Your teeth are still settling into their new position, and the bone around them is still hardening.
Wear your removable retainer every single night.
No negotiation.
By year two and three, you can back off slightly.
Maybe five nights a week.
After three years, you can get away with wearing it three to four nights a week for life.
But here's what nobody tells you: if you stop completely, your teeth start moving back.
It's not instant, but it happens.
And when you try to put your retainer back in after months without wearing it, it might not fit anymore.
This is why people who ditch their retainers end up calling their orthodontist years later asking for braces again.
They got lazy, their teeth shifted, and now they're back to square one.
How Clear Retainers Compare to Wire Retainers
Clear retainers, similar to clear aligners, are basically invisible.
They fit snugly over your teeth.
They're easy to clean.
Most people prefer them because you can't see them.
Wire retainers are more visible, but they're durable.
They can last for years without needing replacement.
Clear retainers typically need replacing every one to two years because the material gets thin and less effective over time.
From a cost perspective, wire retainers are cheaper long-term.
But from a psychology perspective, clear retainers win because teenagers and adults actually wear them without complaining.
What Happens When You Skip Retainer Wear
First month: nothing obvious.
By month three: you start noticing slight crowding.
Your bite feels a little different.
By six months: your teeth have shifted enough that it's noticeable.
You're thinking about your smile again.
By a year: you could need braces again to fix what you undid.
I've seen this play out dozens of times.
Someone goes through two years of treatment, wears their retainer religiously for six months, then life gets busy and they stop.
A year later, they're back in my chair asking if we can do a quick touch-up.
Quick touch-ups don't exist.
Once teeth move, you need real treatment to move them back.
Does Insurance Cover Retainers and Long-Term Maintenance
Usually not fully, but sometimes partially.
Most dental insurance doesn't see retention as ongoing treatment.
They see it as maintenance, like brushing your teeth.
Your orthodontist will typically include your first set of retainers in your treatment cost.
After that, replacements are on you.
This is something to ask about before you finish treatment.
Some practices include two or three sets of retainers.
Others charge per replacement.
At SMILE-FX, we build retention planning into everything we do, so you know exactly what to expect before you're done.
Real Talk About Compliance and Why Most People Struggle
You want to know why so many people end up needing a second round of braces?
Not because the first round didn't work.
But because retainers are boring.
They're not exciting.
There's no visible progress happening.
You're just maintaining what you already have.
So people get lazy.
They miss a night.
Then two nights.
Then a week.
Before they know it, they haven't worn it in a month and their teeth feel loose.
The solution is building retention into your actual life, not your wishlist.
If you're a night person, wear your retainer right before bed.
If you're someone who forgets stuff, set a phone reminder.
Some people literally keep their retainer next to their toothbrush so they can't forget.
Make it a habit, not a chore.
Signs Your Retainer Isn't Working Anymore
If your retainer doesn't fit like it used to, that's a problem.
You're either not wearing it enough and your teeth shifted, or the retainer material stretched and lost its grip.
Either way, get a new one.
A loose retainer does nothing.
If your bite feels different when you're wearing it, that's another sign.
Your teeth are moving, and your retainer isn't holding them anymore.
Pain or pressure when you put it in, if you haven't worn it in a while, is normal for the first few minutes.
But if it still hurts after a few minutes, it's too tight or your teeth have moved too far.
Don't force it.
Call your orthodontist.
Can You Switch From Braces to Clear Aligners During Retention
Yes, and some people do.
After traditional braces come off, some patients want clear retainers instead of wire ones.
This works fine.
But you need to get them made quickly after braces come off, while your teeth are in their final position.
If you wait months and then get Invisalign retainers or other clear aligners made, your teeth might have shifted slightly and the fit won't be perfect.
The Cost Factor for Long-Term Retention
Your first set of retainers: included in treatment.
Replacements every one to two years: around 300 to 500 depending on type.
That sounds expensive until you realize it's way cheaper than doing braces again.
A full orthodontic treatment costs thousands.
A replacement retainer costs a few hundred.
You do the math.
Also, many practices offer retainer replacement plans where you pay a flat fee upfront and get free replacements for a set period.
Ask about this when you're finishing treatment.
Why Your Bite Matters More Than Just Straight Teeth
People focus on whether their teeth look straight.
That's valid.
But retention is really about keeping your bite stable.
A bad bite causes problems: jaw pain, uneven wear on your teeth, difficulty chewing, tension headaches.
If your bite starts shifting because you're not wearing your retainer, you're not just losing the straight teeth aesthetic.
You're losing the functional benefits of the treatment you just spent months getting.
This is why your orthodontist checks your bite every time you come in.
They're not being picky.
They're making sure the whole system is holding together.
What SMILE-FX Does Differently for Retention Plans
We don't just hand you a retainer and say good luck.
We build a specific retention protocol based on your case.
Some teeth relapse faster than others.
Some people are naturally forgetful.
We account for all of it.
Our cutting-edge technology lets us track your bite stability with precision, so we catch any shifts early before they become a problem.
We also include detailed instructions on how to care for your retainer, how often to wear it, and what to expect.
And here's the thing nobody tells you: life changes.
You might be perfect with your retainer for three years, then something happens and you stop wearing it.
Your teeth shift.
We don't judge.
We just get you back on track.
Does Adult Orthodontics Need Different Retention
Yes, kind of.
Adult teeth and bone are more stable than teenage teeth.
Relapse happens slower in adults.
But it still happens.
And adults are actually better at compliance than teens because they understand the value of what they just invested in.
The timeline might be slightly different.
Maybe you wear a removable retainer five nights a week instead of every night.
But the principle is the same: you need retention for life.
This is especially true if you got adult orthodontics to fix a previous problem.
Your teeth fought their way back to the original position once.
Without proper retention, they'll do it again.
Technology is Making Retention Easier
Some new removable retainers are made with stronger materials that last longer.
Three to four years instead of one to two.
Others fit better and are more comfortable.
This means fewer replacements, less cost, and higher compliance because people actually wear them without complaining.
Some advanced treatment options now include bonded retainers that are more durable than older wire versions.
Ask your orthodontist what the newest options are.
Technology changes every couple of years, and what works best for retention keeps improving.
The Honest Truth About Retention and Your Orthodontist
Your orthodontist wants your results to last.
It's in their interest.
If you come back needing treatment again a year later, that reflects badly on them.
So they're not just handing you a retainer as a cash grab.
They're genuinely trying to keep your teeth straight.
But they also can't follow you home and make you wear it.
That's on you.
The best orthodontist in South Florida, the board-certified specialist with the fanciest technology, can't force you to comply with retention.
That's 100% your responsibility.
Building Your Retention Habit Starting Right Now
If you're about to finish treatment, don't wait until your braces come off to think about retention.
Ask your orthodontist right now what your retention plan will be.
Ask for specific instructions.
Ask about cost for replacements.
Ask what happens if something breaks.
Then mentally commit to it before day one.
Set phone reminders.
Tell someone in your family to hold you accountable.
Pick a specific time every night to put your retainer in, same as brushing your teeth.
Treat it like taking a vitamin, not like optional homework.
Ready to Get Your Orthodontic Journey Right, From Start to Finish
The best orthodontist near you is one who thinks about the end from the beginning.
SMILE-FX doesn't just talk about Phase 1, Phase 2, and being done.
We talk about what comes next.
We plan for retention like it's as important as the braces themselves.
Because it is.
Your smile lasting a lifetime depends on retention as much as it depends on the treatment that got you there in the first place.
Book your FREE 3D scan and VIP smile consultation here and let's talk about your complete orthodontic plan, including how we'll keep your results locked in forever.
No guessing.
No surprises.
Just real talk about what it takes to maintain your best smile for life.