The BIG day has arrived and your smile looks awesome. Now, the second part of your treatment begins….. Keeping that smile!
Retainer wear is an extremely important part of maintaining your smile. We want you to think of your new smile as an investment. Long term retainer wear is an essential part of maintaining your new smile. Research shows that even years after your teeth have settled into their straight position, they can still move as part of the natural process of aging. Dr. Emerson uses many types of retainers depending on the type of correction you receive and how well your teeth are kept clean during treatment. Consistent, nightly wear of your retainer will ensure that fantastic smile for the rest of your life.
Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and Anti-bacterial mouthwash such as Listerine. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing. If you notice hard, white build-up in your retainers, soaking retainers for 1 hours in a solution of 1/2 water and 1/2 white vinegar is effective.
Many parents and patients are concerned about losing retainers and want to better protect their investment. Click the “Retainer Club” on the right side of the menu bar to find out how to insure your smile 100%!
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF RETAINERS
I. Thou shall not eat with your retainers in your mouth
II. Thou shall not chew gum with retainers
III. Thou shall not place your retainers anywhere except in their case. Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants. NO NAPKINS!
IV. Thou shall not let your pets near your retainers.
V. Thou shall not sound normal when you speak the first 2 weeks. Practice talking!
VI. Thou shall not damage your retainers. Take them in and out as instructed.
VII. Thou shall not allow your teeth to move. Call if retainers are lost, broken, or just not fitting correctly.
VIII. Thou shall not try to adjust retainers.
IX. Thou shall not come to appointments without your retainer.
X. Thou shall get new retainers in the future. Only God is eternal!
