Retainers

After the teeth are straightened it is necessary to hold them in position. There are a number of different types of retainers, each with advantages and disadvantages:

• Bonded retainers: A wire is bonded (glued to the inside of teeth that are very likely to move).
• Hawley retainers: The traditional retainers most people are use to. It is made from wires and colored plastic. When used to actively move teeth many people still call it a "retainer" although it is technically an "active Hawley appliance"
• Essex retainer: Looking very much like a bleaching tray or an Invisalign aligner these clear plastic retainers usually have a 12- 24 month lifespan

Removable Retainer Instructions

• Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
• Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
• Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors. Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but these do not take the place of brushing.
• Dogs love retainers! Even a "good" dog will chew a retainer if given the chance.
• When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
• Do not flip or play with the appliance while it is in your mouth...this weakens them to the point that they can break and it also can make them too loose.
• Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing aloud to get used to them faster.
• Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
• Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
• Retainer replacement is expensive...with proper care they will last for years!
• Remove retainers when swimming and active sports like gymnastics and football.
• Keep retainers away from  hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
• Never Boil them or put them in the dishwasher for cleaning. The hot water from those will distort retainer and make them either fit improperly or not at all. If your retainer goes in an unsanitary place you may bring it in and we can clean it for you.

Fixed Retainer Instructions

• Clean around the wire as instructed
• Immediately come in if the wire comes loose or You notice tooth movement
• Avoid contacting the wire with hard foods
• Remember to floss as we showed you
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