Retainer Usage and Care
Congratulations on the successful completion of your fixed appliances treatment! The following are some tips to help you maintain the results you have achieved.
When active orthodontic treatment has been completed, there is a great tendency for your teeth to drift towards their original positions. If this happens, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to correct. It is important to appreciate that tooth position position is not static, but dynamic, constantly adapting to an ever-changing oral environment. The majority of treatment results will be maintained if retainers are worn as directed. However, we do not expect the teeth to remain exactly in the position it had prior to appliance removal.
Removable Retainers
- These retainers may be removed for meals and must be removed for tooth brushing, contact sports and swimming.
- Retainers should be worn on a full-time basis for a minimum of 6 months, before moving on to night-time only wear. You will be advised if long-term wear is required.
- Your retainers are very important and if you cannot wear your retainers for any reason, please let us know immediately.
- When retainers are not worn, it should be kept in a protective box or in a cup of water (of room temperature).
- Do not click your retainers in and out with your tongue as this may cause the retainers to break. For replacement of lost/damaged retainers, charges will apply.
- You may salivate more and your speech may be affected initially, these temporary symptoms usually subside in a few days.
Cleaning
It is important to keep your retainers clean. Take out the retainers when you clean your teeth. Gently brush the retainer on all surfaces. Failure to keep your teeth and retainers clean will lead to permanent scarring of your teeth and tooth decay.
Appointments
You will not require the frequent dental visits now that the retainers are in place. You will be seen at a 6 monthly interval. Please bring along your retainers every visit. If your retainers break or get misplaced, call us for an appointment as soon as reasonably possible. Do not wait for your next routine appointment as your teeth may move whilst not wearing your retainers.
DP DENTAL 