At the completion of orthodontic treatment it is always necessary to wear retainers to keep the teeth straight.
There are two different types of retainers; removable retainers and bonded or fixed retainers.
Removable Essix Retainer.
The most commonly used removable retainer is a clear or Essix retainer as illustrated above
Fixed Bonded Retainer.
Bonded retainers are fixed in place with a dental adhesive as illustrated above. They are in place 24 hours per day.
It is important to appreciate the importance of lifetime wear of retainers to help to keep your teeth straight. Normally removable retainers are worn every night initially , and the wear is then reduced overtime. Eventually it may only be necessary to wear the retainers 1 or 2 nights per week.
It is important that the bonded retainer is kept clean with regular brushing, and it is important to attend your general practitioner/ hygienist regularly for oral hygiene maintenance.
With the removable retainer it is important that it should be removed gently rather than yanked out , as this may break the retainer. It should be brushed with a toothbrush with tooth paste in the morning after removal and placed in the protective retainer box.
Protective Retainer Box.
The clear Essix retainer should never be put under hot water or it maybe permanently distorted. The retainer box (with retainer) should be put in a safe place, away from dogs and small children.
Dogs are attracted by the smell of retainers.
Children tend to play with the retainer box and the retainer. Dogs will chew the retainer and may irreparably damage it.
Compliance with retainer wear will help to maintain your beautiful smile.
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This blog was written by Dr John Buckley Clonmel’s most qualified and most experienced orthodontist. We use cutting edge technology in Clonmel Orthodontics to provide excellent orthodontic treatment at affordable prices.Our surgeries are airy spacious and private , like you might expect if you visited a general medical practitioner.
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