Post-Op Instructions

Instructions for Orthodontic Retainers

Congratulations on your new smile!

Now that your braces are off, you need to keep them from moving. This process involves the wearing of retainers.

InĀ  some cases, Dr Shah will bond (glue) a lingual wire behind the lower front six teeth.

In other cases you may get a removable retainer.

The option will be decided by your dentist and the best will be issued to you as necessary.

You may be given one of the three forms of retention

Orthodontic Retainers
Orthodontic Retainers
Orthodontic Retainers

For the top Jaw

You may be given one of the following

  1. There will be a clear retainer that needs to be worn

a. During the day and night for three to six months and then

b. Every night only for the rest of your life

Ā  Ā  Ā  2.Ā  A plate to be worn at night

a. Every night for the first three month3

b. every night only for the rest of your life

Ā  Ā  Ā  3. Rarely we give a fixed wire ( a piece of wire) stuck behind the top teeth that will stay there for a very long time

For the top Jaw

You may be given one of the following

  1. A fixed wire ( a piece of wire) will be glued behind the bottom teeth. This will stay there for a very long time.

Ā  Ā  Ā  2. There will be a clear retainer that needs to be worn

a. during the day for three to six month

b. every night only for the rest of your life

  1. Ā 

Care for your Retainers

Care of your Retainers is very vital to ensure long-lasting retainers.

Make sure you brush and floss around your bonded retainers. The adhesive (glue) on your bonded wire can come loose, especially if you bite directly into hard foods. It does need to be fixed in a timely manner to ensure your teeth not move.

When brushing your removable retainer you are to only use cold water and hand soap. Do not use toothpaste as it is abrasive and will scratch and make the retainer cloudy. You can also use a denture cleaning tablet and soak it in lukewarm water.Ā 

Always keep your retainer in case when you are not wearing it, pets, especially dogs, will eat it. Please be very careful with the care of your retainers, as they are an important aspect of orthodontic treatment.

Like other personal items, retainers may also wear over time. Replacing a worn retainer is a wise investment in caring for your smile!

Long term requirements

Clear retainers can last from 6 to 24 months and then need to be thrown away

Plates can last between 3 to 5 years and need to be changed.

A fee will be charged for new retainers

Fixed wires generally last a long time. Sometimes they need to be replaced and a fee will be charged for that.

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