RETAINERS

Why Do You Need a Retainer?

A lot of work went in to creating your new smile, so let’s make sure it lasts a lifetime! Unfortunately, the day braces come off, your teeth will want to start moving back. This is why we give you retainers!!

Like the rest of your body, your mouth will continue to change throughout the rest of your life. Some movement of your teeth is inevitable, but wearing retainers can minimize the movement.

Essix (clear) retainers

• Take these out when you drink anything other than water. When you finish drinking, brush or swish your mouth out with water and then put your retainer back in.
• When you brush your teeth, brush your retainers. Use a soft toothbrush with water and a mild soap (toothpaste is abrasive and will scratch them).
• Remember they are made of plastic and can warp if they get hot… so don’t:
  • Leave them in a hot car
  • Clean them in the dishwasher
  • Put them in hot water
• If you grind your teeth, you may grind holes in your retainers.

Wrap / Hawley Retainer

• When you brush your teeth, brush your retainers.
• Pulling on the wires can bend or loosen the wires. If this happens, please come back in so we can adjust them.

Bonded Retainer

• Brush all around the wire to prevent calculus buildup.
• Use a floss threader to floss between your front teeth, but be careful not to tug on the retainer wire.
• If you notice the wire isn’t attached to one of your teeth, come in ASAP to have it rebonded.
• Bonded retainers don’t stick to some people’s teeth (shape of your teeth, thickness of your enamel, the way you chew). We will rebond a retainer up to 3 times.
• For the bottom teeth: If you have a bonded retainer on the bottom teeth, you only need to wear your lower removable retainer at night time.
• For the top teeth: The bonded retainer is only there to keep gaps from opening; it’s not keeping your teeth straight. So you still need to wear a removable retainer on your top teeth full time for 6 months.