Essix Retainers
Essix retainers are special retainers designed to stabilize and maintain the present position of your teeth. They are very easy to wear due to the fact that they contain no wires and have no bulk. They are made from a thin plastic material. These appliances are to be worn as follows:
- Wear your appliance full time as directed by the doctors - until notified otherwise.
- Never wear your retainer while eating or playing sports. Always use your retainer case for storing your appliance. Do not wrap your retainer in a tissue or napkin, as it may be disposed of accidentally. Remember…..if it is not in your mouth put it into the case!
- Please be careful to keep your retainer away from pets. They LOVE to chew orthodontic appliances.
- When removing your retainer be sure to pull down from the back on each side simultaneously using both hands to break the seal, and then carefully remove. Do not pull down on the front of the appliance, or one side, as cracking of the retainer will result.
- Clean your retainer daily with a toothbrush and mild soap, or retainer/denture cleaner tablets. Do not rinse the retainer under hot water, as this may distort the appliance.
Your essix retainer has been custom made to fit your mouth. If it should break or become loose, please call the office immediately. There will be a fee for replacing a lost or broken essix.
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR ESSIX RETAINER WITH YOU TO EACH APPOINTMENT. Retention is your lifetime responsibility, not our lifetime service. Wear your essix retainer as directed for best results.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are special retainers designed to stabilize and maintain the present position of your teeth. They are made from acrylic with metal clasps. These retainers are designed to be worn as follows:
- Wear your retainer full time as directed by the doctors - until notified otherwise
- Never wear your retainer while eating or playing sports. Always use your retainer case for storing your appliance. Do not wrap your retainer in a tissue or napkin, as it may be disposed of accidently. Remember…..if it is not in your mouth put it into the case!
- Clean your appliance by brushing it thoroughly every time you brush your teeth, and please be careful not to drop it or bend the wires in any way.
- The plastic taste will disappear soon, but you may want to soak your new appliance in a diluted mouthwash solution for 10 – 15 minutes while you are eating for the first few days.
- Your teeth may be sore for the first few days. If the discomfort persists or your gums become irritated, please call the office, as the appliance may need to be adjusted
- Please be careful to keep your retainer away from pets. They LOVE to chew orthodontic appliances. NEVER leave your appliance within the reach of small children.
- Please remember to bring your Hawley retainer with you to every appointment so we can make adjustments if necessary. If you are having dental work done, take your retainer with you to the dentist in case it needs to be modified.
Your Hawley retainer has been custom made to fit your mouth. If it should break or become loose, please call the office immediately. There will be a fee for repairing or replacing a broken or lost retainer.
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR HAWLEY RETAINER WITH YOU TO EACH APPOINTMENT. Retention is your lifetime responsibility, not our lifetime service. Wear your Hawley retainer as directed for best results.
Lingual Retaining Wires
The orthodontic retainer that has been placed today is on the inside of your front teeth (either upper, lower or both). It is referred to as a “bonded lingual retaining wire”. As long as the wire is correctly attached to your teeth, it will hold them reasonably straight.
Care of the Wire
Please be aware that you are responsible for the care of the wire. Proper care includes careful, thorough brushing and flossing. This must be done daily. In addition to brushing, it is essential that you floss between your teeth and into the gum areas below the wire. In order to do the best cleaning, most patients use a “super floss” or a “floss threader”. When flossing, be careful to not push too hard on the wire. This can bend or dislodge it and will cause your teeth to shift. Failure to clean your teeth carefully will result in dental disease. If you are not certain how to clean around the wire, just ask and we will be happy to show you the correct methods. Do not pick at the wire. Do not bend the wire. Unusually hard, sticky or brittle foods can bend the wire and shift your teeth.
Teeth Shift With Age – It All Shifts With Age
As you get older your face will change. A great deal of research has proven that just as your face changes with age, so will your teeth shift with age. This happens whether you have had braces or not. Those that shift the most are your lower front teeth. Lingual retaining wires are a bit of orthodontic “magic” and will nearly stop teeth shifting with age. As long as the wire is correctly in place, your teeth will stay reasonably well aligned. So, if you want your teeth to stay reasonably well aligned, the wire must be left in place and maintained for the rest of your life.
What If I Have a Problem?
Your doctor will be seeing you to check the wire after it is placed. Unless the wire is bent or dislodged there are no additional office visit fees until you “graduate” from our office. However, if you think something isn’t right, be certain to contact the office and come in quickly. Failure to do so may result in crooked teeth, more braces, and added expense.
