Patients are fitted with retainers when their braces are removed because teeth want to return to their old positions. Retainers prevent this.
Retainers are usually worn full time for several months and then the wearing time is gradually reduced. Your office visits are fewer during this retention phase, but they are still very important because they allow Dr. Kincaid to decide when to reduce your wearing time.
We recommend that you wear your retainers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at first. Take them out to eat and brush your teeth. Dr. Kincaid will let you know when you can gradually wear them less.
Cleaning Retainers:
Hawley Retainers: Use a small amount of toothpaste on a toothbrush to brush your retainers very gently. Rinse in cool water only. NEVER use hot water.
Trutain Retainers: Use a small amount of toothpast with a Q-Tip and brush very gently. A toothbrush will scratch this type of retainer and make it look dirty or cloudy.
Please Don't:
• Put your retainers in your pocket. They can break. Use a retainer case if they are not in your mouth.
• Wrap your retainers in a napkin and place on a tray; you will accidentally throw them away.
• Leave your retainers where pets or small children can get to them. Pets love to eat them and small children will break them.
