Bonded Retainers
WATCH VIDEO for more information on bonded wire retainers.
Diet
Avoid hard foods at all times, including peanuts, popcorn, crusts of bread. Raw fruit and vegetables should be sliced thinly or grated. Sweet foods and drinks should not be consumed between meals. Acid drinks, such as diet drinks and fruit juices should be avoided between meals. Milk and still water are allowed between meals.
Cleaning
Keeping the gums and teeth very clean is vital, otherwise the teeth will be permanently damaged by the retainer. A regular/electric toothbrush should be used as well as a tepe brush or super-floss
Breakages
Should a part of the retainer become distorted or broken it is vital that the orthodontist checks the retainer as soon as possible. Please call our office and we will arrange for an appointment.
Teeth may move if the retainer is not repaired
Appointment schedule
A review appointment is due two weeks after retainer placement and after a further 6 months.
This retainer is FOR LIFE “Night-time for a lifetime”
Removable Retainers – Hawley has a bar at the front
WATCH VIDEO for more information on Hawley Retainers.
Diet
Avoid hard foods at all times, including peanuts, popcorn, crusts of bread. Raw fruit and vegetables should be sliced thinly or grated. Soft foods and snacks can be eaten with the brace in. Sweet foods and drinks should not be consumed between meals. Acid drinks, such as diet drinks and fruit juices should be avoided between meals. Milk and still water are allowed between meals.
Cleaning
Keeping the gums and teeth very clean is vital, otherwise the teeth will be permanently damaged by the retainer. A regular/electric toothbrush should be used as well as dental floss. The retainer should be removed after each meal and cleaned under a running tap (NO BOILING WATER) with a toothbrush, and the teeth should be cleaned before re-inserting the brace. Retainer-brite or a similar cleaner can be used as an adjunct to good cleaning.
Wear
The brace must be worn full-time except for contact sports and swimming for the first 6 months. Then at nights only indefinitely. A box will be provided, in which the brace should be placed when not being worn. Appliance replacements are costly. Mouth guards should be worn during contact sports.
Breakages
Should a part of the brace become distorted or broken or if you lose your brace it is vital that the orthodontist sees you as soon as possible. Please call our office and we will arrange for an appointment.
Speech
For the first few days speech will be affected, especially “s” sounds. This will normalise after 3-4 days of wearing the brace. Saliva flow is also increased and a taste of acrylic/plastic will be noted. Again this normalises after 3-4 days.
Appointments
It is important that the orthodontist sees you/your child on a regular basis to check the retainer. Appointments are usually 1 month after brace removal, then 4 months later with the final review 12 months after brace removal.
Attend your dentist for regular check ups – teeth move if retainers are not worn
Removable Retainers – Essix (clear)
Diet
Avoid hard foods at all times, including peanuts, popcorn, crusts of bread. Raw fruit and vegetables should be sliced thinly or grated. Soft foods and snacks can be eaten with the brace in. Sweet foods and drinks should not be consumed between meals. Acid drinks, such as diet drinks and fruit juices should be avoided between meals. Milk and still water are allowed between meals.
Cleaning
Keeping the gums and teeth very clean is vital, otherwise the teeth will be permanently damaged by the retainer. A regular/electric toothbrush should be used as well as dental floss. The retainer should be removed after each meal and cleaned under a running tap (NO BOILING WATER) with a toothbrush, and the teeth should be cleaned before re-inserting the brace. Retainer-brite or Milton household bleach can be used as an adjunct to good cleaning.
Wear
The brace must be worn full-time except for contact sports and swimming for the first 6 months. Then at nights only indefinitely. A box will be provided, in which the brace should be placed when not being worn. Appliance replacements are costly. Mouth guards should be worn during contact sports.
Breakages
Should a part of the brace become distorted or broken or if you lose your brace it is vital that the orthodontist sees you as soon as possible. Please call our office and we will arrange for an appointment. Some people grind their teeth and wear can create holes in the appliance. Contact us if you are concerned.
Speech
Generally no changes, sometimes a slight lisp can be experienced for a day or two.
Saliva
Saliva flow is also increased and a taste of acrylic/plastic will be noted. Again this normalises after 3-4 days.
Appointments
It is important that the orthodontist sees you/your child on a regular basis to check the retainer. Appointments are usually 1 month after brace removal, then 4 months later with the final review 12 months after brace removal.
Vacuum Retainer
WATCH VIDEO for more information on Vacuum Retainers.