Retainer Care

CARING FOR Retainers at Home

Caring for

Retainers at Home

Teeth might move during the beginning of wearing a retainer and will usually stabilize over time. If you want your teeth to stay in their perfect position, long-term wear is recommended. At the very least, it is recommended that you wear your retainers every other night for as long as possible.

Come and see us at Diamond Braces every six months for the next two years after your braces are removed. Make sure to bring your retainers with you when you come in for your appointment. These visits are complimentary and will not cost you anything. We want you to have the peace of mind that your teeth and your bite remain healthy after your braces come off.

    PROPER CARE FOR All Retainers

    Proper Care for

    All Retainers

    • All retainers allow for some settling and minor teeth movement. This is normal.
    • Speech is affected during the beginning of wearing a retainer and usually improves over time.
    • Teeth may relapse when you first begin wearing a retainer. If you want your teeth to stay in their perfect position, we recommend wearing retainers every night for as long as possible.
    • Replacement retainers will be needed as retainers wear with time. There is a charge for replacement.
    • Lost retainers, not wearing your retainers, or carelessness with retainers will incur a fee for replacement or repeated treatments. Please take care of your retainer.
    • Place retainer in your case when you are eating or brushing. Keep retainers away from pets.
    • Do not leave your retainer in an extremely hot or cold area.
    • If your retainer is broken, lost, or not fitting as it should, contact us immediately or fill out the form to schedule an appointment. It is your responsibility to come in.  If you wait, you might need more treatments to correct misaligned teeth, which is very costly and time-consuming.
      WHAT IS THE Clear Transparent Plastic Retainers (Removable)

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      Clear Transparent Plastic Retainers (Removable)

      • Remove from the sides, NOT the front.
      • Clean with mild soap, not toothpaste or pure mouthwash.
      • To clean, soak retainers in a mixture of half water and half Listerine for an hour.
      • You can also use denture tablets to soak and clean your retainers.
      • Only use cold water (not warm or hot).
      • Do not bend or squeeze your retainer, as it can crack and break. Wear your retainers 24/7 for the first week, but be sure to REMOVE them when eating, consuming sugary drinks, brushing, or playing sports.
      • For the first week, wear your retainer  full-time, day and night, except when brushing, eating, or drinking. After the first week, wear the retainer at nighttime only. Do this for a full two years, after which you can wear the retainer every other night.
      • If the retainer is lost or broken, please set up an appointment to see us as soon as possible.
        WHAT IS THE Plastic and Metal Wire Retainers (Removable)

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        Plastic and Metal Wire Retainers (Removable)

        • Remove from the sides, NOT the front.
        • Clean with mild soap, not toothpaste or pure mouthwash.
        • To clean, soak retainers in a mixture of half water and half Listerine for an hour.
        • You can use denture tablets to soak and clean.
        • Use only cold water (not warm or hot).
        • Wear 24/7 for three to six months, but be sure to remove when eating, consuming sugary drinks, brushing, or playing sports.
        • Use your retainer at nighttime when you sleep. After six months, wear your retainer at least every other night for as long as possible.
        WHAT IS THE Fixed Retainers (Glued, Wire)

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        Fixed Retainers (Glued, Wire)

        • This is the best retainer option.
        • These are used for long-term treatment.
        • They are semi-permanent.
        • They stay in place at all times and can be removed by us or a dentist.
        • They do not harm the teeth. The area around them has to be kept clean.
        • We recommend using a Waterpik machine to clean this retainer rather than floss (as floss can get caught in the wire and can break the retainer).
        • Use floss threaders if you’d prefer to use floss. Slide the floss out from the front.  Do not pull floss up and out or you will pop and break the glue from the retainer.
        • See your dentist every six to twelve months for cleanings and checkups.
        • If you feel that any glue has come off, see us immediately.
        WHAT IS THE Vivera Retainers (Removable)

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        Vivera Retainers (Removable)

        Vivera retainers are a great option for those of you who refuse to have permanently-bonded retainers. Vivera retainers are custom made for you and constructed by Invisalign.

        They fit precisely and are very comfortable. They are made of 30% stronger material than other comparable retainers. These retainers are very durable and have a very low risk of breaking.

        Advantages of Vivera Retainers

        • Made by the same company that produces Invisalign
        • Clear and comfortable
        • Last for a long time
        • Total of eight trays are delivered (four for the top and four for the bottom teeth)
        • Removable

        Disadvantages of Vivera Retainers

        • Cost extra due to Invisalign’s charges for production
        • Patient needs to follow all of the orthodontist’s instructions

        Why Diamond Braces?

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