Retainer Instructions

Retention is an essential part of your orthodontic treatment!!! Please pay close attention to the following advice:

  • Wear your retainers as instructed.
  • Take your retainers out when eating... but always put retainers in their case (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants)!
  • Clean retainers thoroughly once a day by gently brushing with toothpaste and rinsing with warm, not hot, water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Orthodontic appliance cleaners or denture cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.
  • Remove retainers when swimming.
  • Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
  • When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
  • Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them.
  • Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
  • Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
  • With the proper care your retainers will last for years!

How Long do I need to wear the retainers?

Just like other parts of the human body, the teeth and mouth may change with time. Dr. Maulik suggests most patients to wear the retainers full time 24/7 (except when eating and brushing) for the first 6 months after braces are removed.  After 6 months, Dr. Maulik recommends wearing the retainers at nights for as long as possible.

A Hawley Retainer is a removable acrylic and wire appliance that is made specifically for each individual by taking an impression. It can be upper or lower or both.  You will be instructed to wear it full time except when you eat and brush. As your teeth stabilize in the bone you will be instructed to reduce the number of hours you wear your retainers. We instruct and encourage all of our patients to continue to wear their retainers indefinitely. Even wearing your retainers up to two nights a week for the rest of your life will reinforce the stabilization of your straight teeth.

A vacuform retainer is a clear retainer that is worn at night only. It is only indicated for certain patients. It may be used as an initial retainer before receiving a Hawley Retainer, or it may be given as a permanent retainer.

A Lower Lingual Retainer is a permanent retainer that is glued to your bottom front teeth. It is glued on in much the same way that your braces were, and is meant to stay on forever. The only difficult part of this retainer is keeping the teeth around it clean. You must floss between the teeth individually, and failure to do so can result in cavities and gum disease.