Retention Information
Now that you have retainers to keep your teeth in place, you’re probably wondering how long the process will take. Here are some general timelines for your reference:
- 4 months after braces are removed, you will want to wear your retainer full time (at least 20-21 hours per day). We recommend the clear retainer during the day, and the wired at night.
- 1 ½ Years after braces, patients should wear their retainer every night while sleeping. If not at night, then at least 6-8 hours during the day.
- After these milestones, patients should still wear their retainers enough to keep teeth straight. If your retainer fits too tightly, it is not being worn enough. Teeth can shift at any time, so we always recommend wearing retainers at least 2-3 nights per week.
Care
- Clean by brushing with liquid soap and soaking occasionally with denture cleaner (“Efferdent”) or fresh guard (retainer cleaner) in cool or warm tap water. Never use hot or boiling water.
- Retainers may acquire an unpleasant taste. Soaking in a solution of ½ mouthwash and ½ water will help freshen them.
- An ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is a fantastic way to clean your retainers and will help keep them nice and clear. This should be used daily. Only water, a combination of water and clear mouthwash, or water and ½ of a denture cleaner tablet, can be used in the ultrasonic.
- When not in the mouth, the retainers should be in the special box given to you (not wrapped in a napkin or in your pocket). If they are in the box, they cannot get lost or broken.
- Keep retainers away from pets!!! Dogs LOVE Retainers!!!
- Keep retainers out of the extreme heat or cold (for example in the car, out in the sun, hot water, etc.). The plastic part will “warp”.
- Do not use your tongue to flip or play with the retainer, as this will loosen it. Also avoid sticky or hard foods (gum, caramels, taffy, etc.), as these may loosen the retainer and stick to it.