Your Braces: Retainers

Lower bonded lingual wire retainer is bonded to the  front six teeth (from canine to canine) , to prevent tooth movement. In most cases, you will also have a lower clear retainer that will protect movement of the teeth not attached to the bonded wire.

 

Brush the wire with your toothbrush normally while you are brushing your teeth. To keep your gums healthly along with brushing you would need to floss under the wire at the gum line. A floss treader will assist you in inserting the floss under the wire. Once you have flossed gently pull the floss straight out so it does not break the wire or loosen the bonding.

 

To avoid breakage do not bite fingernails, or into anything hard (ie: apples).

 

If you notice the bonding has come loose from a tooth or broken wear your lower clear retainer. This will prevent your teeth from moving. Then, call to schedule an appointment to have it replaced/repaired as soon as possible.  

Upper bonded lingual wire retainer is normally bonded to the  front central incisors and occasionally to the front four teeth to prevent tooth movement. In most cases, you will also have a upper clear retainer that will protect movement of the teeth not attached to the bonded wire.

 

Brush the wire with your toothbrush normally while you are brushing your teeth. To keep you gums healthly along with brushing you would need to floss under the wire at the gum line. A floss treader will assist you in inserting the floss under the wire. Once you have flossed gently pull the floss straight out so it does not break the wire or loosen the bonding.

 

To avoid breakage do not bite fingernails, or into anything hard (ie: apples).

 

If you notice the bonding has come loose from a tooth or broken wear your upper clear retainer. This will prevent your teeth from moving. Then, call to schedule an appointment to have it replaced/repaired as soon as possible.  

Your retainers MUST be gently cleaned using a toothbrush with a mild dish or antibacterial soap. You can occasionally soak them in denture/retainer cleaner if needed. Never soak them in any type of mouthwash the contains alcohol.

 

Retainers, as the name implies, retain the teeth in the corrected position. Initially,  they are worn full time for the first four days after the braces are removed, except for meals and brushing. Please continue to wear your retainers for 8-10 hours per night. Think of them as pajamas for your teeth. You should continue to wear the retainers as long as you want straight teeth!