Instructions for
Retainers
REMOVABLE RETAINERS
It is very important that you follow these instructions to successfully complete your orthodontic treatment to prevent future shifting of your teeth.
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WEARING YOUR RETAINERS
If you are just finishing orthodontic treatment, it is critical to wear your retainers for 22 hours a day for 6 weeks to solidify the position of the teeth. After the 6 weeks, you may switch to wearing your retainers at night for life. Retainers must be worn to retain the position of your teeth and teeth shift throughout life, so retainers must be worn for life.
If you forget to wear your retainer, wear the retainer full-time for few days to re-align your teeth. Your teeth may be sore while they re-align. If you cannot push the retainer in place or it does not fit, call our office as soon as possible.
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CARING FOR YOUR RETAINERS
Always keep your retainers in their case and in a safe place when you are not wearing them. Do not expose your retainers to excessive heat (i.e. a hot car, hot water, dishwasher). Heat will distort the plastic and ruin the retainers. Make sure to keep your retainers away from pets (pets will chew on the plastic).
Never eat anything while wearing your retainers. It is okay to drink water while wearing your retainers, but be sure to remove them if you drink other beverages. Food and certain beverages may be acidic or contain sugar which may cause cavities or harm your teeth. Eating and drinking may also stain or damage the material of your retainers.
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Always brush your retainer when you brush your teeth. Do not brush your retainers with toothpaste because it is abrasive and can scratch your retainers, making them look cloudy. Brush your retainers with plain water or non-scented dish soap and rinse thoroughly.
For a more thorough clean, denture cleaning products like Polident or Efferdent work great. You can find these products at most stores in the toothpaste aisle. Follow the instructions on the package.
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PROBLEMS WITH YOUR RETAINERS
If you lose your retainer, if your retainer breaks, or if it is not fitting correctly, please contact our office as soon as possible. There will be a charge to replace lost or broken retainers or to replace retainers that do not fit due to lack of wear. Please bring your retainers to every appointment at our office so we can evaluate the fit.
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BONDED RETAINERS
Bonded retainers will be in place for several years, therefore, it is very important to brush and floss under the retainer wire every day. Food and plaque build-up around the retainer can cause tooth decay and irritation to the gum tissue.
Do not bite hard or sticky foods with your front teeth. Biting hard or sticky things can bend the wire or loosen it from your teeth. Cut hard foods like apples and carrots into small pieces and chew them on your back teeth.
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LOOSE OR BROKEN RETAINERS
If your retainer gets damaged or comes loose, please contact us as soon as possible. Please save the wire and bring it to your appointment.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office at 651-452-2116.
