Dental Orthodontics
Retainer Basics
Upper Retainer - Your upper retainer is a removable appliance designed to maintain your teeth in their corrected position. Please follow these instructions.
Wear
- Wear your upper retainer at all times, including mealtime and sleeping, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Remove it only to brush teeth.
- The retainer’s plastic taste will disappear quickly, and your speech will return to normal after a few days of wearing the retainer.
- Soreness will dissipate in a few days after an adjustment. If you have a localized sore spot after three or four days, call our San Fernando dental office for an appointment.
- Don’t flip the retainer with your tongue, because it could damage your teeth.
Care
- Clean the retainer by brushing it with soap and water, and occasionally clean it with denture cleaner, using warm (not hot) water.
- Store the retainer only in the special box provided by Dr. Tsutsui, not wrapped in paper or in your pocket.
- Keep the device away from pets and small children.
- Bring the retainer to each appointment.
Lower Retainer -
Your lower retainer is a fixed or removable appliance that maintains your bottom teeth in their corrected position. With a removable retainer, follow the same instructions as outlined for the upper retainer. A fixed retainer is attached to the inside of your lower front teeth and needs special attention.
Wear
- A fixed retainer will remain in your mouth permanently or until your doctor removes it.
- A removable retainer works like the upper retainer.
Care
- Take extra care to clean the wire and the inside of your lower teeth when you brush.
- You should floss every day and use a floss threader between the retainer wire and the gums.