How To Care For Your Removable Retainers

2nd September 2015

How To Care For Your Removable Retainers

What are removable retainers?

When braces are removed, the teeth can quickly move back into crooked positions (relapse). The teeth need to be held in their new straight position while the gums and jaw bone ‘firm up’. This is achieved by using fixed and/or removable retainers over a number of years.

As both children and adults get older, our jaws continue to grow and our teeth become more cooked as part of the normal ageing process. This still occurs following brace treatment, therefore long term (usually indefinite) use of retainers is recommended.

It is now your responsibility to wear your retainers as directed to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original position. If you do not wear your retainers your teeth are likely to move again.

Instructions for Use:

• Wear your removable retainers for 6 months full time and then every night long term (usually indefinitely). The removable retainer can be worn just at night from the start of treatment if bonded retainers have also been placed.
• Take your retainers out for eating, cleaning your teeth, contact sports and swimming- when out of your mouth it should be kept safely in a rigid retainer box.
• Clean your retainers thoroughly each day with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste or clear soap. You may use a retainer cleaner (e.g. Retainer Brite) for an extra clean if you wish. Do not use boiling water or bleach.
• You may experience some speech difficulties and more saliva in the mouth for the first 4-5 days of wearing your retainers, but this will disappear.
• If the retainer rubs on the gum, you can adjust the edges by trimming with nail clippers or small scissors. Sharp or rough edges can be smoothed with a nail file/ emery board.
• If you have any dental treatment carried out e.g. new fillings, crowns or bridges and you find that your retainer no longer fits, please contact us for an appointment. Likewise if you lose or break the retainer please contact us immediately.
• Please note: If you lose/ break your retainers there will be a charge to replace them.