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What is retention?
Retention is a way to keep
your teeth in the right positions
after your braces are
off. A removable retainer
fits over your teeth while a
fixed retainer is glued to the
back of your teeth. Without
it, your teeth would move
back to where they were
before you had
braces.
Why retention matters?
Your teeth keep moving
throughout your lifetime.
Wearing a retainer can prevent
your teeth from becoming
crowded or crooked
again. That way, you'll have
a great looking smile for the
rest of your life
What you can expect?
Wearing a retainer is easy, but
it may take a few days to get
used to. Swallowing and talking
may seem a bit awkward at
first.
For a day or two, your mouth
may be slightly sore. Over-the-counter
pain relievers can help.
Remember: The more you
wear it, the sooner you'll get
used to it.
Wearing your retainer
For the first year, 24 hours a day is a MUST. Remove your
retainer to brush your teeth and when swimming. Although
you CAN leave it on when eating, it is advisable to remove it
for main meals. Also, remove it for contact sports. Your
bonded retainer can break if care is not taken when eating.
After the first year, you will be instructed by Dr. Gurza to
wear your removable retainer only to sleep.
Remember: your teeth can move even years from now, so we
ask that you continue to wear both the removable and bonded
retainers until you are at least 20 years old. After that, its up
to you! Your bonded retainer can be removed by Dr. Gurza or your dentist.
Caring for your retainer
The following tips will help you care for your retainer:
- Rinse your retainer with water when you take it out.
And brush it with toothpaste each time you brush your
teeth. Brush the roof of your mouth, too. Your bonded
retainer should be thoroughly brushed especially
around the gum line. Be careful when flossing your
teeth to prevent loss of the glue.
- Soak your retainer in denture cleaner about once a
week. A sample tablet is provided.
- When not wearing your retainer, place it immediately
in its container case. Place your name and phone number
on the case label. If you do not have the case,
LEAVE IT IN YOUR MOUTH. DO NOT wrap in
tissue or a napkin-EVER. It WILL get thrown away
by mistake. Do not place it in your pocket-EVER. The
current replacement cost is $250.
- Never boil or soak in hot water. Never use bleach or
chemicals on your retainer. Do not try to bend the
wires. Keep it far away from pets. They think it's food
or a chew toy!
Call our office if:
- You lose you retainer.
- Your retainer breaks.
- Your retainer doesn't fit right or causes pain.
You will need to have your retainers checked during the
next year. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE
AND KEEP YOUR RETENTION APPOINTMENTS!
You must bring your retainer to each visit.
Special Instructions for Essix Retainers
- Must be removed to eat
- Do not place in hot water
- Wear all the time.
- Wear all the time for 3 days
followed by home use only.
- Wear at bed only.
Keep At It!
You have worked hard to get your teeth straight. Now do
your part to keep them that way. When you wear your retainer
as Dr. Gurza advises, your teeth will stay as straight
as possible for a lifetime.
View the video for more information about Retainers.
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