When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of twelve (12) months. Based on each patient’s treatment result we offer a variety of retainers. Your final orthodontic result depends on your following through with this very important step of retention.

RETAINER APPLIANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Patients and parents will get a greater return from their dental investment by following these instructions:

Wearing your retainers as instructed is the critical step that will assure maintenance of the successful result. The patient should practice speaking or reading out loud with the appliance. In three or four days, your speech will return to normal. After a short while, the excessive salivation will diminish.

The appliances are fragile and can be damaged by dropping them on hard surfaces, allowing children or pets to find and play with them, pressure if placed in you pocket, etc. Gum and candy will stick to the plastic and are difficult to remove. In short, the appliances are expensive to replace so treat them as you would for another fragile valuable items, such as jewelry or eyeglasses.

Hawley Retainers
Your retainers must be worn 24 hours per day. This includes periods while eating and sleeping. The appliance should be brushed thoroughly after each meal or snack when the teeth are brushed. The appliance should be brushed with a toothbrush using any of the following: toothpaste, baking soda, dishwashing liquid, or denture cleaner. In addition to brushing, you may place the appliance in a glass of water containing an Efferdent or Polident tablet. This should be done during the dinner meal so as not to lose any effective wearing time. Avoid using chemicals such as alcohol or mouthwash containing alcohol which will destroy the acrylic. Heat may cause the appliance to melt or warp; therefore, they should never be exposed to hot water while cleaning or from leaving retainers in an automobile in warm climates.

Trutain Retainers
Your clear retainers must be worn 24 hours per day except while eating. Always brush or rinse your teeth after each meal or snack before placing the retainers back on. You may only drink plain water while wearing your clear retainers. Heat may cause the appliance to melt or warp; therefore, they should never be exposed to hot water while drinking and cleaning or from leaving retainers in an automobile in warm climates. The clear retainers should be cleaned using dishwashing liquid, avoid using a toothbrush to clean appliance as this may alter its appearance.

Fixed Lingual Retainers
Avoid biting into anything hard. Sticky and chewy foods, such as caramel, taffy, etc. may damage your appliance. Brush thoroughly after each meal or snack to avoid any build up. Also floss between each tooth and around the gum line with the use of a floss threader preferable at night.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or ask at the next appointment for more information.