Retainers

After the active orthodontic treatment period is complete and your braces have been removed, you will be given retainers. This marks the beginning of the retention phase, during which a retainer is used to hold teeth in their new positions while the jawbone, gums and muscles adapt. You must wear the retainer as instructed, otherwise your teeth may revert to their former positions, and the benefits of having had braces will be lost.

Fixed Retainer

Personally fitted and customized wires, that are bonded to the lingual surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth.

Hawley Retainer

A removable wire and acrylic palatal appliance used to retain or stabilize the teeth in their new position following orthodontic tooth movement; with modifications it can be used to move teeth as an active orthodontic appliance.

When to Wear Your Retainer

Wear your retainer at all times, even while you are sleeping, with the following exceptions: The retainer may be removed for eating, swimming or vigorous sporting activities.

Pain and Soreness

The retainer may make your teeth sore and you may even find that your speech is slightly altered for a few days. This is normal with a new retainer or after an adjustment and will resolve on its own. If you develop a sore spot on your gums, call our office so that we can adjust the retainer for better comfort.

Cleaning Your Retainer

Brush your retainer daily with toothpaste. If needed, denture cleaner can be used for a more thorough cleaning. If you have a bonded wire retainer behind your front teeth, be careful to clean it as well when brushing your teeth. Do not boil your retainer to sterilize it. If you feel that it needs sterilization, bring it to the office so that we can properly disinfect it for you.

How to Keep Your Retainer Safe

Because the retainer is removable, it can be taken out for convenience during meals and for cleaning. However, careful care should be taken not to lose your retainer. When eating meals, be sure to keep it in its case for safety. Never wrap the retainer in a napkin or store it in your pocket. Keep it away from dogs and cats, as they love to chew on these appliances.
Please note: an additional charge will be incurred for lost or broken retainers.

Treatment Time

Retainer treatment time varies by patient. Some may even require permanent retention to keep teeth aligned properly.
We will discuss this as part of your overall treatment plan.

Remember, your retainer can only work when you are wearing it.
Please give us a call if you have any questions about retainer use.

Retainers and Appliances

The removable appliance is carefully designed to move or to hold your teeth. It is important that it is worn according to instructions and brought to each appointment.

Wear your appliance at all times, even while you are asleep. It may be removed while eating, swimming, or playing vigorous sports activities. In two or three days your speech will return to normal with the appliance in place. Avoid flipping your appliance with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth or breakage of your appliance.

Your new appliance may make your teeth sore for a day or two, especially after an adjustment. If you have a sore spot on your gums call our office at Innovative Orthodontics Phone Number 416-481-3141 so that we can adjust the appliance.

Clean your appliance by brushing it daily with toothpaste. Denture cleaner can also be used for a more thorough cleaning. If you are wearing a bonded wire retainer behind your front teeth, be extra careful to clean the wire and the area around it. Flossing should be done every day.

Never wrap your appliance in a paper napkin or tissue and set it down on the table. You or someone else may throw it away. Don’t put it in your pocket when playing or you may break or lose it. Whenever it is not in your mouth it should be in its plastic appliance case.

Keep your appliance away from dogs or cats as they love to chew on them. Avoid storing them near any source of heat. Do not boil your retainer to sterilize it! If needed, bring it to the office and we will be happy to disinfect it for you.

An additional charge will be incurred for lost or broken appliances.