Post Bracket Removal Retainer Instructions

In order to retain your corrected dentition, retainers are used to hold or “retain” teeth in their proper and final position. There are different types of retainers, removable retainers and fixed retainers. Once your braces or fixed orthodontic treatment is completed, your clinician will usually affix a metal “lingual wire” to the back of your front teeth with cement to keep your lower teeth in place.

Sometimes this is done for the top teeth as well to prevent shifting. In addition, an impression or scan will be taken of your teeth for your removable retainers.You will be given either Hawley retainers, Essix retainers, or a combination of both, a few days after the day of debonding process after they are fabricated by the lab.Your dentist will determine what type of removable retainers are right for your situation.

Essix Retainers are made of clear, durable plastic that are customized to your new dentition position and they snap into place over your teeth. Once placed, your teeth and gums show through the plastic, making the retainers nearly invisible.

Hawley retainers consist of a rigid plastic or acrylic plate connected by a thin metal wire. This retainer is designed to fit comfortably on the palate, with the wire positioned against the front of the upper teeth.

Once your retainers are delivered by the Dentist (You cannot just pick them up- they must be inserted by the Dentist to ensure they fit or an adjustment must be done).

Proper wear of your retainers is essential to maintain a stable tooth relationship and to keep your smile looking beautiful. Retainers are a lifetime commitment; you will always have to wear your retainers. If you discontinue wearing your retainers, your teeth will move out of place.

Use, Care, and Maintenance Instructions: 

Wear your retainers full time for the first 6 months except when eating. After 6 months you can modify wear to 8-10 hours at night. Your retainer should be cleaned every day. Brushing your retainer with toothpaste is not recommended. You may use soap and water and/or soak your retainers in denture cleaner or Retainer-Brite.

Never place your retainers in a napkin. They may be mistaken for trash and accidentally get thrown away!  Keep your retainers out of reach of pets, especially dogs. Animals love retainers and may think it is their new toy. Always keep your retainer in the case provided when not in use.  If your retainers are made out of plastic (essix retainer). Heat will distort the retainer. Do not boil or microwave to sterilize it. Keep your retainer away from heat and sunlight.

 If you lose your retainers, break your retainers, or if your retainers do not fit properly, please call our office immediately to schedule an appointment. One set of retainers is included in your treatment fee. There will be a charge for a lost or broken retainer, or if the retainer is not worn and not fitting. We will continue to check your retainers after your braces are removed. 

Newtonbrook Dental

139 Finch Avenue West North York, Ontario M2N2J1            
T: (416) 223-2453
Email: info@newtonbrookdentistry.com
Website: www.newtonbrookdentistry.com