Retariner Care

Keep in mind that it is your responsiblity for maintaining the new teeth positions after orthodontic treatment has succeeded in making corrections. The way to do this is by wearing retainers in the manner that we recommend. We provide retainers for two reasons:

• To make it possible for bone to grow after your teeth have repositioned
• To prevent tooth drifting and shifting
• The following are some important facts you should keep in mind
• It is your responsibility to keep your teeth straight
• Do not panic if small changes occur, IT IS PERFECTLY NORMAL
• Your retainers are for long term use
• If you notice any major deteriorations in teeth alignments, contact us to schedule an appointment
• Visit the dentist on a regular basis

REMEMBER THE TEETH CAN SHIFT AS YOU GROW OR GETTING OLDER: THEREFORE, THE RETAINER WEAR IS VERY IMPORTANT IF YOU WANT YOUR SMILE TO LOOK NICE, HEALTHY, AND BEAUTIFUL.

SEE-THRU RETAINERS: EASY TO TAKE OFF AND TO BACK ON

Clear retainers should be worn at night for one year and every other night for the next two years. The Clear retainer is a transparent removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of teeth. Similar to Invisalign® trays, Clear retainers have no wires. These retainers must be worn at night only for the first year. After the first year, it must be worn every other night for at least two more years. If the retainer is lost, broken, or worn out, come to the office immediately for replacement. Do not wait, since the teeth can shift at any age.

Clear Retainer Care:

Keep it clean under the cold water daily. You can use your tooth brush daily to clean it from inside and outside.

Hawley Retainer     

Follow our retainer wear and care instructions carefully. This retainer is a removable appliance whose sole purpose is to maintain the new corrected positions of your teeth.

Retainer Wear

• This retainer should be worn daily, except when eating and brushing your teeth. When not wearing it, ALWAYS KEEP IT IN THE BOX PROVIDED TO YOU TO AVOID LOOSING IT.  The only time you are allowed to take it off is when you are brushing your teeth or eating.
• The taste of plastic in your mouth is only temporary and lasts only a few days. The effect on your speech is also temporary and in a few days you will be able to speak clearly despite the retainer.
• You may also feel some soreness during the initial period but this will disappear in a few days as well.

Retainer Care

• Clean the retainer using a soft brush, soap and water. Once a week, you can use a dental cleanser with warm water.
• When you are not wearing the retainer such as when brushing your teeth, always keep it in the special box that we provide. Avoid wrapping it with tissue or cloth or worse, keeping it your pocket.
• It goes without saying that you should keep it away from pets and kids. If your pet dog bites on it, it will most likely get damaged.
• Make sure you have your retainer with you every time you come for an appointment.

Fixed retainer:    

In the event that you have a permanent retainer glued to the inner surface of your teeth, make sure you maintain it as long as possible. We recommend no less than ten years. If the retainer breaks during the first year after placement, we can replace the retainer at no charge. If replacement is required after first year of placement, there will be some minor charges to repair or replace the retainer. But remember, keep it as long as possible, to avoid any shifting of the teeth.

Always ask your dentist to check your fixed retainer to ascertain that it is still intact and unbroken. Give us a call if you notice that your retainers are getting loose.  As we said before, there is no additional fee if your retainers break within a year. Our guarantee covers the first year. Even after one year, we only levy a small additional charge.

Fixed Retainer Care:

• You must always clean the wire and the inside portion of the teeth
• You should floss on a daily basis and use floss threader or water pick in between the wire and gums

Remember, it is your responsibility to wear the retainers, and please do not forget it. Your goal is to preserve this beautiful smile for a lifetime