• 3 types of retainers:

  • Bonded (aka permanent)- glued on, so very difficult to lose but they can break; they can’t be seen because they are on the back of your front teeth.  They are more difficult to clean around, especially when flossing.
  • Hawley (part metal)- removable so can be lost, very durable and flossing is not a problem.
  • Clear- removable, easy to floss, but not as durable as the Hawley.  Need to be removed when you swim.
• Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.  Eventually after 5-6 months of full-time wear, a patient will go to night-time wear.  When this occurs, you should keep your removable retainer in your case with a little bit of water in it to keep your retainer moist.  This will help them stay cleaner looking longer.
• 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.
• 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 adjust to them more quickly.
• 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!
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

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