Retainers

Hawley Retainer Instructions

Wear your retainer full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
Take your retainer out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
Clean retainer thoroughly 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 these 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! Be sure both retainer and case are in a safe place.
Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing aloud to get used to them faster.
Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us on that or the next business day.
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 retainer to your appointments.
Retainer replacement is expensive...with proper care they will last for years!
Remove retainers when swimming, water activities, sports activities, and gym class.
Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

Essix (Clear) Retainer Instructions

Wear your retainer every night unless instructed by the doctor to wear full time.
When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in the retainer case. Pets love to chew on them! Be sure both retainer and case are in a safe place.
Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
Clean retainer with a soft bristle tooth brush and liquid soap. Toothpaste is abrasive and will scratch the clear surface. 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.
Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainer is lost, broken or not fitting well, call us on that or the next business day.
If you spend a night away from home (occasionally) it is okay to leave it at home.

Bonded "Lingual" Wire Retainers

Wires are often bonded to the back of the upper and lower front teeth following orthodontic treatment. These fixed retention wires are designed to maintain the alignment of the anterior teeth 24 hours a day. This allows for reduced time while wearing removable retainers each day and then usually can be limited to night time only. It is important to floss regularly under the fixed retainer wires and we will show you how to do it. They are not meant to be on for a lifetime, but many patients prefer to leave the wires in place for many years in order to minimize the possibility for any relapse of anterior tooth rotations. The dental hygienist can clean around these fixed lingual retainers much like your teeth were cleaned around your braces. Good oral hygiene is critical while wearing lingual bonded retainer wires.