Most patients receive an upper and a lower retainer, made specifically for your mouth. The upper retainer is usually removable, while the lower retainer is usually cemented onto the inside of your lower front teeth. Dr. Gaudry will give you specific wearing instructions, but usually you are expected to wear retainers full-time (24 hours a day) for about a 2 year period. During this period, you will also have regular visits with your Orthodontist so that he can make sure everything is still in place (BRING YOUR RETAINER TO THESE VISITS!). All of this prevents your teeth from returning to their original positions, so it is important that you follow directions.

     First, realize that you still must maintain good oral hygiene. You have already established an excellent daily habit, and you must continue it now and for your lifetime. Not only will this good dental hygiene help you keep your beautiful smile, it will save you money (i.e. fewer cavities, gum problems, etc.) over your lifetime. Prevention is worth the effort!

Cleaning the upper, removable retainer: The upper retainer should be cleaned every day or it begins to collect those ugly bugs that destroy teeth and other things. . .

            Easy way to clean the retainer: buy denture cleaner and drop a tablet in a glass of water, then add your retainer for the specified amount of time. Remove, rinse, brush with a tooth brush, and pop it back into your mouth.

            Cheap way to clean the retainer: use dish washing detergent (liquid soap—not dishwasher soap!) and brush the retainer with a toothbrush. Rinse again, and pop it back into your mouth. About once a week, you should put 1 teaspoon of bleach in a glass and soak the retainer for a few minutes, rinse, and do the above cheap cleaning program. You don’t have to use bleach if you use denture cleaner (easy way to clean). 

Cleaning the lower cemented retainer: Treat this retainer just like you did your braces: use the special flossing tools, brush well, and rinse frequently. This retainer can collect food just like your braces and it must be kept clean.

THINGS THAT KILL RETAINERS:

• dogs; do not ever leave your retainer where your dog can get to it. Your dog just loves you—every part of you—and we guarantee that at some point, he will chew on the retainer if he can get to it!
• exposing it to heat; do not leave your retainer in a hot car, in sunlight, or near any other heat source. Heat was used to create it, and heat will also warp or destroy it.
• leaving it on a school cafeteria or fast food tray; it is very common for patients to take their retainers out to eat. They will place it on the tray when they eat, then not thinking, toss the contents of the tray into the trash. Ask Dr. Gaudry how many patients have gone dumpster-diving just to find their retainer!
• putting it in a knapsack or pocket without the case or “how to mangle your retainer in one easy squish!”

 

HOW TO SAVE YOUR RETAINER: When it is not in your mouth, put it in its case. Simple, huh?