Retention is the final part of your orthodontics treatment. When your braces are removed, it is natural for your teeth to try to shift slightly. You are instructed to wear retainers to help prevent this shifting. These retainers hold your teeth in place. If the instructions for retainers are not followed, your teeth will move. Your teeth may feel sore for the first few days. Tylenol or Ibuprofen may be taken to relieve discomfort. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work that you have put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
Lingual Wire/Permanent Retainer:
Your retainer is bonded to each tooth separately (or secured only to your cuspids). If it feels loose bond with your tongue or if you see a tooth get out of line, call us for an appointment.
You can brush your teeth and gums as usual, but flossing has to be done more carefully. Use a floss threader to thread your floss from the front, under the retainer wire.
Please remind your dentist and hygienist to be careful of your retainer.
DO NOT eat foods and candy which are hard, sticky or chewy. These foods could loosen the lingual wire.
Hawley Retainer:
Wearing Instructions: (Unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Baum)
Beginning TODAY until 21 years old- insert your retainer 1 hour before bedtime and wear through the night while sleeping, every night.
21-35 years old- wear four nights a week
36-99 years old- wear two nights a week.
Invisible Retainer:
Wearing Instructions: (Unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Baum)
Beginning TODAY until 21 years old- insert your retainer 1 hour before bedtime and wear through the night while sleeping, every night.
21-35 years old- wear four night s a week
36-99 years old- wear two nights a week.
Hawley Retainer with Springs OR Essix Invisible Retainer:
Wearing Instructions:
Wear 24 hours per day, except when eating, brushing or swimming. Wear every day until told otherwise.
Keep your retainers clean by brushing them everyday with your toothbrush, toothpaste, and cool water. Be careful to support your retainer in the palm of your hand while brushing it.
- NEVER eat with your retainers in.
- NEVER chew gum or candy with your retainers in.
- NEVER wrap your retainers in a tissue or napkin. ALWAYS use your case.
- NEVER leave your retainers lying around. Pets love to chew on retainers.
- NEVER place your retainers in hot water or leave in a hot place. They will melt!
- NEVER soak your retainers in denture cleaners or mouthwash.
If you lose or break your retainers, call us for an appointment. If your retainer is broken, try to wear it if possible, to keep your teeth from shifting.
Between the ages of 15-18 years old, your wisdom teeth should be checked. Please call your dentist for an appointment. It may be recommended that your wisdom teeth be removed if there isn’t enough space.
Remember, for a healthy, beautiful smile, brush and floss daily. Continue to see your dentist every six months for an examination and cleaning.