COMMON CAUSES OF DAMAGE TO RETAINERS
- Remove by loosening both sides of the retainer to prevent stress on any particular area which can cause cracking
- For patient who grinds/clench on the retainers- it will cause premature wear and the retainers may need to be replaced more frequently. A nightguard may be used on one arch instead of a retainer to protect against damage
Damage to the retainers may affect their function in keeping the teeth in position. If there is any suspected damage to your retainer, please bring them in as soon as possible so that our dentist can advise if they need to be replaced.
RETAINER INSTRUCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
I understand that I have the following responsibilities:
- Wear my removable retainers "night-time (10 hours) for life-time" wear.
- Do not wear my removable retainers while eating
- Clean as instructed around my bonded/removable retainer, if applicable.
- Take a toothbrush with a soft bristle and brush off the food bits and plaque from the retainer. A cotton swab is great for getting into those tiny creases that a brush can miss
- Make sure you clean your retainer as soon as you remove it from your mouth, while it's still wet. This will make it easier to clean off any debris before it hardens
- You may use retainer cleaning tablets to soak your retainer if needed
- Never soak your retainer in HOT/boiling water or run it through the dishwasher, or soak your retainer in mouthwash, rubbing alcohol, or bleach, or any solution not specifically made for retainers; the chemicals may melt, distort or affect its integrity
- Call the clinic immediately if my retainer breaks or is not fitting properly as teeth can shift as soon as within a few days
- I understand that if my retainers are not worn every night and my teeth move, the retainers may not fit. Orthodontic retreatment may be required and incur an additional fee.