 When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. Your teeth have moved to the correct position, but are not stable. Retainers will hold your teeth in their new positions until they are stable. The retention phase lasts about two years, but may be recommended indefinitely. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far.
Your upper retainer is a removable appliance designed to provide stability and maintain your teeth in their corrected positions. Please follow these instructions carefully:
- Please wear your retainer 24 hours a day for the first three months. Remove only for meals and brushing unless otherwise instructed.
- You may later be instructed to wear the retainer only at night.
- Because retainers are fragile, be gentle when handling them. Do not flip the retainer with your tongue as this could break the retainer or damage the enamel on your teeth.
- Your teeth may be sore while adjusting to the retainer. This soreness should disappear in a few days.
- Remove the retainer by pulling down on the clasp around the back tooth. Don’t pull down on the wire across the front. This will break the wire.
- Clean the retainer by brushing it with toothpaste and occasionally with denture cleaner, using warm (not hot) water. Hot water may warp the retainer.
- Do not soak your retainer in mouthwash as it will cause the retainer to become discolored and brittle.
- Do not boil your retainer or store it close to heat.
- Be careful with your retainer when it's not in your mouth. Store it in the plastic retainer case given to you as it will protect it from damage or breakage under pressure. Do not put it in your pocket or wrap it in paper – it can break or easily be thrown in the trash by mistake.
- Keep your retainer away from your pet as they love to chew on them.
- It is important that you bring your retainer to each appointment.
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