Retainer Wear and Care

When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 24 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far! Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.

We offer a wide variety of colors and stickers to choose from that can be inserted in the plastic of the retainer to truly personalize it for you!

h-retainer

We offer a wide variety of colors and stickers to choose from that can be inserted in the plastic of the retainer to truly personalize it for you!

Wear

Avoid flipping the retainer with your tongue. This could cause damage to your teeth and the appliance.
Following placement, your speech should normalize within a few days. The more you speak, the more quickly you will adapt to it. The "plastic taste" of the appliance will decrease quickly.
Discomfort from the retainer should decrease in a few days. If you notice a sore spot after three or four days, please call us.
DO NOT chew gum with your retainer in place.
Unless Dr. Finn gives you special instructions, wear the retainer at all times for the whole first year, removing only during meals, to clean it and to brush and floss your teeth. At the start of the second year you can wear it nights, only. At the completion of the second year it is advisable to wear your retainer at least two nights per week, perhaps indefinitely, to prevent any significant movement from occurring.

Boy_Retainer_1

Care

To clean the retainer, brush with toothpaste using warm water. Occasionally clean the appliance with denture cleaner. Don't leave it soaking in the cleanser!
When the retainer is not in your mouth, put it in the case provided.
Keep the appliance away from pets.

It is important that you bring your retainer with you to each appointment. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.

Bonded Retainers

Bonded retainers are cemented directly to the inside surface of your teeth. This is one of the best ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting as it is permanently attached! Patients with bonded lingual retainers must be careful with their bite as the bonding material may break due to incorrect biting and cause teeth to shift quickly. As with removable retainers, it is important to keep them clean. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside of your lower teeth as well as the wire.

Lingual Bonded Retainer

If your retainer breaks at any time during treatment, call us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.