Retainer Care at Home with Diamond Braces - Video Guide

When you first start wearing a retainer, you might notice that your teeth are moving. This is normal and they will usually stabilize over time. For your teeth to maintain their perfect position, we recommend long-term wear of the retainer. At the absolute minimum, you should wear your retainers every other night for as long as you can.

Retainers are a key part of your orthodontic treatment. Two types are common. One is the Hawley retainer. The other is the Essix retainer.

Regardless of the type of removable retainer you have, it ??s important to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and retainer clean.

After your braces are removed, we invite you to visit us at Diamond Braces every six months for the next two years. Please remember to bring your retainers with you when you come in for your appointment. These visits are complimentary and will not cost you anything. Our goal is to give you peace of mind that your teeth and your bite remain healthy after your braces come off.

If you ever notice your teeth shifting back to their original position, it ??s important to contact us right away. We can examine your retainers and make any required modifications to guarantee that your teeth remain in their intended position. Remember, your smile is our top priority!

• 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.

Fixed retainers, also known as glued or wire retainers, are a top choice for long-term treatment. They are semi-permanent and remain in place. A dentist or we can remove them when necessary.

These retainers do not harm the teeth. However, it ??s crucial to keep the area around them clean. For proper maintenance of fixed retainers, we recommend using a Waterpik machine. This method is preferable to flossing, which can get caught in the wire and potentially break the retainer.

Should you have a preference for flossing, consider choosing floss threaders. Ensure to remove the floss from the front. Refrain from yanking the floss upwards and outwards, as this could snap and damage the adhesive of the retainer.

Regular dental visits are essential. Aim to see your dentist every six to twelve months for cleanings and checkups. If you notice any glue coming off, it ??s important to see us immediately.

This type of retainer is a reliable option for maintaining the alignment of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. Remember, proper maintenance for fixed retainers is key to their effectiveness.