Orthodontic Retainers

The benefits of orthodontic treatment will last a lifetime if you wear your orthodontic retainers. Because teeth can continue to move throughout life, we recommend patients wear their removable retainers full time for 3 months and then ‘Nighttime for Lifetime’.

How to Care for Orthodontic Retainers

Retainers are made of a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to excessive heat, so they should be kept away from heaters, dishwashers, car dashboards or any place where the temperatures exceed 115 degrees (Fº).
Retainers should be kept in the proper retainer case when they are not in the patient’s mouth.
Keep away from any family pets, as they like to chew on them.
Clean before and after placement in the mouth. Because the material used for fabrication is slightly porous, plaque tends to cling to the surfaces. Gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush and a mild liquid soap will remove the plaque. A retainer cleaning solution, such as Retainer Brite™, will aid in the removal of plaque and tartar. Be sure to rinse the retainers thoroughly after cleaning to remove any cleanser residue.

Because retainers are worn for years, they will need periodic replacement. Your original treatment contract includes one set of retainers after the braces are removed. If the retainers are lost or damaged due to neglect, there will be a charge for replacement. If the retainers become loose or break, contact our office immediately.

Fixed retainers (Bonded Wire)

Fixed retainers, also known as bonded or permanent retainers, are thin wires that are attached to the back of the teeth using dental cement. They are usually used on the lower front teeth, where teeth are more prone to shifting. Fixed retainers are not removable and are intended to be worn indefinitely to maintain the position of the teeth. However fixed retainers occasionally break off of one or more of the teeth. We recommend patients wear a removable retainer in addition to fixed retainers to protect the teeth from shifting in instances where the fixed retainer breaks. Please have this wire monitored by your family dentist at your six-month check ups.

Habits or Conditions that Require Stronger Retention

Mouth breathing
Clenching and/or grinding of teeth (muscle hyperactivity)
Tongue thrusting, low tongue posture or abnormal tongue posture
Playing a musical instruments with a reed
Lip sucking
Pen or pencil biting
Spacing between the teeth prior to treatment
Severely rotated teeth

Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. Your cooperation is essential in order to achieve this goal.

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