Education Retainer Instructions

 

Retainers are very important because they prevent your teeth from moving back to where they were before you got your braces. Your retainers were made specifically to fit your own teeth. If you do not wear them as instructed, not only is there a risk that your teeth will move, but once they do, the retainers may not fit properly anymore. We want you to maintain your beautiful, natural looking new smile long after you orthodontic treatment is complete. Therefore, we recommend wearing your retainers as long as possible, so that even after your visits with us are complete, you can still keep your smile looking great.

Removable Retainers

We ask you to wear your retainers as instructed, 24 hours per day at first, then eventually just at night when you go to bed. Take them out when you eat and when you brush your teeth. When you take them out to brush your teeth, you should also brush your retainers with your toothbrush and toothpaste to keep them clean. It is okay to use a denture cleaning product (from the drugstore) to clean your retainers, but DO NOT place them in hot water.

If you experience any problems with your retainers, such as irritations and poor fit, or if you break or lose one or both of them, call us right away to schedule a retainer appointment.

Bonded Retainers

There is a wire bonded behind your front teeth. To prevent breakage of this bonded retainer, refrain from biting down into hard, crunchy and/or sticky foods. Remember, you must use Super Floss or floss threaders to floss in between the teeth that are bonded.

If the wire behind your front teeth becomes uncomfortable or is broken, make an appointment with our office immediately. If the wire comes off, be sure to save it so that you don’t experience any delays while a new one is made. If you are out of town when this happens, most dentists can repair retainers. However, it would be wise to check with Dr. Schindel upon your return if this happens.