After your braces are removed, retainers help to hold (retain) your teeth in their beautiful new position. There are a few types of retainers, and Drs. Shaw and Ginzler will decide which type would be best for you.
We initially advise patients to wear their retainers 24 hours a day for the first 2-4 months. Drs. Shaw and Ginzler will monitor you and your retainers, gradually reducing the time you need to wear your retainers, until they are only worn at night. It's important that you wear your retainer as directed, and follow the instructions we have given to you. |
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You may think your retainers feel weird at first. You'll need to get used to talking with them in your mouth. Speaking slowly at first is a good way to practice, within a week you should be back to normal. You will also notice your mouth waters a lot the first few days of wearing your new retainer, this is normal and will go away in a few days. If the retainer causes any pain, cuts or rubs against your gums, call the office to schedule an adjustment.
Everyone knows that as your body ages, it changes. Teeth are no exception; they are not set in stone, and can also change. Forces, such as pressure exerted by the lips and tongue, can cause subtle changes in tooth positions. Chewing food exerts pressure on teeth. Nail biting or chewing on pencils are habits that exert enough pressure on the teeth to move them. The retainer helps to control this shifting, which occurs naturally. Your retainers are here to help you prevent and control that shifting.
Caring for Your Retainer
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Retainers live in your mouth along with bacteria; every time you brush your teeth, you should also brush your retainer with your toothbrush and toothpaste. Don't put them in hot water or leave them near a heat source- like in a hot car- since the acrylic can warp easily. You can also soak your retainers in a denture-cleaning agent to freshen them up. Finally, do not bend the wires. Flipping the retainer around in your mouth will cause the wires to bend and will eventually break them. |
If you don’t have your case, don’t take your retainers out! When your retainers are in the case make sure you keep the case in a safe place. Dogs and cats love to chew retainers which make for a very expensive chew toy. One important way to take care of your retainer is not to lose them, don’t wrap them in napkins or put them in pockets. In other words, retain your retainers! Your first set of retainers will typically last at least five years. It may be necessary to buy a new retainer periodically, but what a small price to pay to keep your teeth straight.