retainer instructions

Retainer Instructions

Congratulations! Your active orthodontic treatment is now completed, but remember you are now entering the most important part of your treatment and the rest is now up to you.

Your Retainer
Dr. Black has given you a retainer that is specific to the needs that you have. Retainers are very important to keep your teeth in their new positions. Most people need to use a retainer of some kind for the rest of their lives to maintain their beautiful new smile. We will need to monitor your retainer periodically to make sure it is doing its job properly. Although we can do small adjustments to correct little things, the retainer won't work unless you wear it as instructed. If you don't wear it properly, there is a very good chance that your teeth will begin to shift and all your hard work will be for nothing.

Below you will find the directions for each type of retainer.

Bonded Retainers
You may have a small wire glued behind your upper or lower front teeth. This wire takes the place of a retainer that you would take in and out. It does not lock these teeth in place, but is designed to allow normal function and will keep your teeth from moving more than the distance of the small length of wire between each tooth. The little pads of glue that hold it in are very strong, but can be broken or loosened by eating ice or other hard foods. It is also very important to brush and floss around the retainer, since the plaque that forms in your mouth that causes cavities also dissolves the glue and can cause it to come loose. If you notice one of the glue pads is loose, call the office right away to have it repaired before any movement can occur.

Clear Retainers
These retainers hold the teeth very well and are extremely thin so they are more comfortable than the traditional wire and plastic retainers. They must be worn 24 hours a day for the first year, and only then will you be able to wear them just at night. They are made by molding with heat, and can be destroyed if left in the sun or near a hot surface. We recommend that you place a few drops of fluoride mouth rinse in the indentations before putting it in your mouth to keep it fresh.

Damon Splint
A Damon Splint is a special type of retainer that holds both tooth alignment and bite correction at the same time. It is only worn at night but is a critical part of your treatment. Initially you will be asked to wear it for 4 hours during the day (does not have to be 4 hours in a row) and then from after dinner until morning (12 hours). After you become accustomed to wearing the Damon splint, you will only have to wear it when you are sleeping.

Positioners
This is a very special orthodontic device that looks like a sports mouth guard, and in fact it can be used as a sports mouth guard if you need one. Positioners have been used with great results for almost 100 years. The positioner is designed to perform the final alignment of your teeth and your bite. It MUST be worn 24 hours a day for the first seven (7) days (except when eating and brushing). After that time you will be asked to wear it for 4 hours during the day (does not have to be 4 hours in a row) and then from after dinner until morning (12 hours). Like any other retainer, the positioner will make your teeth very sore for the first two or three days. Remember that for it to work properly you must chew into it -- simply having it in your mouth will not do the job.

Traditional Retainers
You may have received a traditional wire and plastic retainer (called a Hawley retainer by us). This type of retainer is used if Dr. Black expects to have to do multiple adjustments. It must be worn 24 hours a day for the first year, and only then will you be able to wear it just at night. If for any reason you cannot wear your Hawley retainer for a long period of time, it should be kept moist. If the plastic dries out completely it will warp and your retainer will no longer fit and will need to be replaced.

Soreness
The retainers are something new, and your teeth may be sore for the first few days since they have been supported by your braces for so long. You will prefer soft foods until your teeth firm up. Chewing sugarless stick-free gum will help you adapt more quickly. An Ibuprofen product, such as Advil, will help with soreness. We strongly recommend you begin taking your pain reliever immediately and continue for 3 days without interruption to reduce any discomfort. The worst thing that you can do is take your retainer in and out frequently. This will only keep your teeth sore. The only way for the soreness to go away is to keep wearing the retainer constantly.

Care of Your Retainer
Although it is not fragile, your retainer can be damaged and should be in your retainer case if it is not in your mouth (which, of course, is the only place it will do its job). You should thoroughly brush your retainer when you brush your teeth. You may wish to use a denture cleaner to soak the retainer in occasionally to remove any deposits or bad taste. Any time you are not wearing your retainer it should be in its case. Do not leave it wrapped in a napkin while eating or you are sure to throw it away at some time or another. Do not put it in your pocket or you will likely break it. Pets love retainers of any kind because they have your scent. Please keep the retainer in its case if not worn, and keep the case away from anywhere that your pet can get to it. With a little care, your retainer will help keep your smile beautiful for many, many years.

If you have any questions, or if any problems come up, please call us. We are always happy to help in any way we can.