Retention

Removable Retention

• 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 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 out loud to get used to them faster.
• Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
• Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
• Retainer replacement is expensive… with proper care they will last for years!
• Remove retainers when swimming.
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

Fixed Retention

• Fixed retainers are bonded directly to the teeth once the braces are removed. They are bonded on the lingual (tongue side) on either or both the upper and lower arches to maintain their correct positions. 
• Fixed retainers are more convenient and help secure your fabulous new smile.
• Fixed retainers are designed to be more permanent with lasting results.
• Waterpiks are a great tool to keep fixed retainers clean, especially in those hard to reach places between the wire and the teeth.
• It is important for the bonding (glue) to remain bonded, otherwise, it will be ineffective.
• When eating items like apples, celery, or beef jerky it is important to bite into the food using the side of the mouth, or cut the items up. The pressure directly onto the retainers can cause them to become loose or even broken.
• If you feel your retainer is loose, do not pull the retainer off the teeth. Please call us immediately and we are happy to assist in re-bonding the retainer.