Retainers

Retention Information

Although your braces have been removed, orthodontic treatment is by no means finished. Full cooperation in wearing retainers is vital. Should retainers not be worn exactly as instructed, your teeth may begin to move out of the proper position into which they have been carefully placed.

Unless otherwise instructed, Clear Retainers are to be worn full time for the first 6 weeks following appliance removal, aside from eating, drinking, and brushing. You may only have water with your clear retainers in. After 6 weeks, you may begin wearing your clear retainers only at night (12-15 hours).

It has been our experience that when retainers are discontinued, teeth will move. The amount of movement will vary, depending upon the individual. If you do not want any tooth movement, our recommendation is that you wear retainers at night (12-15 hours) indefinitely. Once teeth begin to move, retainers will fit poorly and at some point will no longer fit.

Retainer Care & Cleaning

Cleaning a Removable Retainer:
Clean the removable retainer by soaking it in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water during the day and brushing with a toothbrush under running water. If you don’t clean regularly, a hard deposit may accumulate on your retainer. Do NOT boil your retainer or leave in hot places during the summer sun; it will distort and no longer fit properly.

Caring for your Removable Retainer:

• Always keep your retainers in the case (not in a napkin or pocket!) when they are not in your mouth. Remember the catching phrase: “Not in your face, they are in the case!”
• Please bring them to your orthodontic visits.
• Keep them away from pets, they love to chew on them!
• If you find yourself without a retainer please call our office as soon as possible to arrange for a new one.

Cleaning a Bonded Retainer:
You will need to brush around the bonded retainer thoroughly, similar to brushing around braces, and you will ALSO NEED TO FLOSS. In order to floss the teeth, you will need a floss threader and floss, a soft pic, or a waterflosser (highly recommended!).

Eating Restrictions with Bonded Retainers:
Since the retainers are bonded, or glued, to your teeth exactly like braces, it is imperative that you do not bite into anything hard or you will dislodge your retainer (i.e. apples, pears, candy bars, frozen foods, etc.). All hard foods need to be cut and chewed using the back teeth.

Please make an appointment with your family dentist for a cleaning and check-up. We are confident that your dentist will be pleased to see what has been accomplished.

It has been our pleasure to be of service to you in improving your smile and the function of your teeth. It is our sincere desire that you will continue to pursue excellence in dental care so that your healthy, attractive smile can be maintained for a lifetime.