To keep your teeth straight it is important to wear your retainer all the time or as instructed. If you have a temporary retainer, please wear it until you get the regular retainer. You may take the retainer out to brush. If you decide not to eat with your retainer, place it in its protective case. If you wrap them in a napkin or tissue, they may get thrown away, so we suggest that it is not a good idea.
How to put your retainer in:
Always put the retainer in with your fingers and never bite into place.
Make sure it is all the way in before closing your teeth together.
How to remove your retainer:
The upper retainer- you need to pull down on the wire all the way in the back.
Please do not push down on the wire that goes across the front teeth, it may
bend and distort your retainer.
The lower retainer- you need to push up on the two loops in front to remove.
Brush your retainer every time you eat or brush your teeth. You may clean your retainer in warm water with Efferdent as often as you wish in addition to brushing.
Please remove your retainer if you are going to be playing contact sports or swim in the ocean where it could be lost. Whenever your retainer is not in your mouth, please put it in your case. Never put it in a napkin or leave them-lying around, especially if you have a dog; they love to chew them. Don’t leave them anywhere to be exposed to heat (ex. leave them in a car); they may warp or melt. Don't put it in your pocket or book bag. (You may break it)
If your retainer loosens, is too tight, or if you have any concerns, please give us a call.
If you lose your retainer, please call us immediately; your teeth may shift without it. You should wear your temporary retainer until your retainer is replaced.
REMEMBER, always bring your retainer with you to your appointment; we will want to check it and may want to adjust it.
Fixed Retainers
We offer a choice of a fixed retainer if during orthodontic (braces) treatment
an oral hygiene grade of B or better was maintained.
We are happy to provide you with a fixed retainer. It is important to point
out a few facts.
Due to the retainer’s fixed nature, oral hygiene must be
maintained at the highest level.
Flossing at least once every day is imperative.
Eating of sticky or hard foods may partially dislodge or break
the retainer and may result in unwanted tooth movement.
When the fixed retainer is removed it is strongly recommended to
follow with a removable retainer to maintain the integrity of the straight
teeth
Monitoring the fixed retainer will be provided on the same basis
as other retainers, ie, 12 months following appliance (braces) removal.
It is understood that Steven G. Garrett, D.D.S., P.C. cannot be
held responsible for any deleterious effects if a choice of leaving the fixed
retainer longer than the monitored period is made.
Family or general dental appointments must be kept at regular
intervals and no longer than every six months
Intraoral Center
Occlusal Upper
Occlusal Lower