Most often, a retainer is a removable appliance designed to maintain the teeth in their corrected positions. In some instances it may be used to reposition teeth that have shifted or to perform minor tooth movement not requiring full braces. Keeping your teeth straight is your responsibility. Therefore, it is important that the following guidelines be followed to ensure proper care of the retainer.
- Closely follow the instructions you have been given regarding the removal and insertion of your retainer. Improper handling of some retainers may cause them to bend (if metal included in retainer).
- Wear the retainer as instructed, except when eating, swimming, playing contact sports, or cleaning your teeth. Please ask if you have any questions as to when the retainer should be worn.
- Clean your retainer by removing it and brushing with toothpaste and a toothbrush using cold water. A lower fixed retainer should be brushed along with the inside of the lower teeth. Remember to floss this area regularly.
- Do not use denture cleaner on the retainer as it will weaken the solder joints (metal retainers only).
- Never put your retainer in boiling water as it will be distorted/destroyed.
- As your tongue adapts to the retainer you may have difficulty with some sounds. After two to three days you will regain normal speech patterns.
- The retainer may have a plastic taste for two or three days that will disappear.
- Your new retainer may make your teeth (or gums) sore for a day or two following delivery/adjustment as your teeth adapt to any changes. Please notify the office of any gum irritation lasting more than three days.
- The retainer may loosen after a week or two, yet should still stay in place. If it becomes too loose to stay in place, please notify the office.
- Avoid flipping the retainer in and out of your tongue as this may damage teeth.
- When the retainer is out of your mouth it should be kept in the retainer case in a safe place. Keep the retainer away from pets, as they will chew it.
- Never wrap your retainer in a paper napkin or tissue when eating. It may (will) be thrown away eventually.
- Always bring your retainer to the retainer check.
- Additional charges for a lost/broken retainer are based on the type of retainer and care needed to reestablish/maintain dentition.