To maintain a good bite and straight teeth you must wear retainers as directed. Proper retainer wear is a lifetime commitment. Without them teeth will be inclined to move out of place. Initially wear retainers full time (22 hrs/day) for about a month. If your teeth do not seem to settle in after this period you may need to wear retainers full time for up to 3 months. You will need to wear retainers while sleeping "forever".
You can never go wrong by wearing retainers full time.
Use both hands to remove the retainer.
- Remove your retainer to eat.
- Place your retainer in your case when not in your mouth.
Do not place your retainer in a napkin. - Use a denture cleanser or dish soap to maintain the clearness of the acrylic.
- Your dentist will monitor your teeth when you go for regular checkups. He will watch for the eruption of wisdom teeth as well. If you or your dentist should become concerned about adverse tooth movement, at any time even years from brace removal, please return to full time retainer wear for 3 months. If the teeth do not respond, call the office for an appointment.
We are giving you the responsibility of safely storing your retainer models. Should you need new retainers due to breakage or loss, contact our appointment coordinator then bring your models into our office. Keeping these models safe from breakage will save you the time and expense of having new impressions taken for the construction of new retainers. Be sure to contact the office in a timely manner to avoid adverse tooth movement.
- If your retainer/aligner gets a build-up on it, try soaking it in white vinegar for 2-3 hours then brush with a toothbrush.
- If a replacement is needed there will be a charge payable in advance.
A fee will be charged for retention visits after 6 months of retainer wear.