Retainer Instructions – After Braces
After you have completed braces, the next step is called retention. Retainers are utilized to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums, and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions. You must wear your retainer as instructed, otherwise your teeth may move toward their original positions and the benefit of wearing your braces will be lost. The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected!
Retainer Instructions:
Wearing Your Retainer
- Initial Wear: Wear your retainer day & night for the first month. This is crucial to ensure your teeth stabilize in their new positions.
- Long-Term Wear: After the initial period, you will be instructed to wear your retainer only at night. This is a long term recommendation. Why? The only way to ensure that your teeth stay straight following orthodontic treatment is to wear your retainers for life. This is because, just like any other part of our body, as we age, things change over time and our teeth are no different.
Cleaning Your Retainer
- Daily Cleaning: Clean your retainer with an ultrasonic pod using distilled water for best results.
- Deep Cleaning: Periodically soak your retainer in a denture cleaner (like Efferdent) or a specialized retainer cleaning solution (like Retainer Brite) to keep it fresh and clean. This can be used in conjunction with the cleaning pod.
- Avoid Hot Water: Never use hot or boiling water on your retainers, as this can warp them and cause them to lose their shape & fit.
Storing Your Retainer
- Safe Storage: Always store your retainer in its case when you are not wearing it. This protects it from damage and prevents loss.
- Avoid Heat: Keep your retainer away from hot environments, such as hot car dashboards, pockets, washing machines, and napkins, to prevent warping.
Handling and Maintenance
- Removing Your Retainer: When removing your retainer, pull evenly from both sides at the same time to avoid cracking it. Pulling from one side can cause the retainer to break.
- Regular Check-ups: Visit us regularly to ensure your retainer fits properly and to make any necessary adjustments.
- Replacement: Retainers can wear out over time. If your retainer becomes damaged or no longer fits properly, contact us to have a new one made. Alternatively, if the office is closed you can text 603-325-2819 and have a replacement retainer made ASAP.