After finishing your orthodontic treatment your Orthodontist will instruct you on how often and when you need to wear your retainer as each patients requirements are different. It is important you follow these instructions carefully as it is essential to the long term success of your orthodontic treatment.

It is important to take your retainers out when eating and give them a good clean under running water with a soft brush. Please do not use toothpaste on your retainers as it will abrade their surfaces. You will also need to take your retainers out when swimming and playing contact sports.

When you are not wearing your retainer please place it in the box provided to ensure it does not get lost or broken.

Fixed retainers are a thin piece of wire attached to the inside front teeth on either the top, bottom or both.  The advantage of fixed retainers is that you don’t need to remember to place your retainer in as it is in and active all the time.  A thin layer of dental glue is used to bond the wire to the inside of the teeth so it stays put.  Although these retainers remove the need for you to remember to wear your retainer it is important that the wire is kept immaculately clean to prevent dental plaque building up and causing problems to your teeth and gums.  A toothbrush, floss and dental pixters should be used.  These wires should be professionally cleaned by your general dentist every six months at your regular visit.

Although unlikely, it is possible that the glue attaching the wire to the tooth may come unstuck.  It is important that you monitor that your fixed retainer is attached to keep your teeth perfectly straight.  If it does come unstuck your Orthodontist or general dentist can easily glue it back on.

Taking care of your fixed retainers should be incorporated into your daily brushing. To assist in cleaning around your fixed retainers it is important to purchase a floss which can be threaded under the wire such as Super floss, or pixters to clean between the teeth.