Retainers
What is a Retainer
A retainer is an orthodontic appliance (usually removable) that is supposed to be worn after your orthodontist removes your braces. When braces are removed, the teeth have a tendency to want to return back to their original positions. Retainers prevent this from happening.
Most upper retainers are made of wire and hard plastic and fit in the roof of your mouth. A lower retainer can be removable or permanently cemented to the lower teeth so that it doesn't come out.
During the first several months, retainers are usually worn full time. After that, your orthodontist will decide how often they should be worn.
Retainer Tips
- 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 lunch rooms 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.
- When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
- 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 at (781) 331-2610 for an appointment to replace them.
- Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
- Retainer replacement is expensive...with proper care they will last forever!
- Remove retainers when swimming so they don’t get lost if accidentally spit out.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
If you have any questions about retainers, please call us at (781) 331-2610.
