Procedures
Retainer
Also called orthodontic retainer
A custom appliance worn after braces to keep teeth from drifting back.
A retainer holds teeth in their new position after braces or aligners finish. It may be removable, made of plastic or wire, or a thin wire fixed behind the teeth. Teeth tend to shift over time, so the orthodontist tells patients how long to wear it. Lost or broken retainers are a frequent reason for calls, and replacing one is usually a separate fee.
Example at the front desk
She lost her retainer on vacation, so I booked a replacement impression and quoted the fee.