Looking after your fixed retainers
Now that your teeth are straight your retainers are essential for keeping your teeth straight and your bite correct.
If you do not follow these instructions your teeth will move out of alignment!
You can now go back to a normal toothbrush as opposed to the orthodontic toothbrush you used when you had braces. However, you will not be able to floss normally between the teeth with the fixed retainer. You can either use a water flosser, interdental brushes, use the smallest size you can, or you can use a special floss called ‘Super Floss’ These oral hygiene aids can be bought from reception, your general dentist or from supermarkets and chemists.
How long do I keep these retainers?
Ideally, you keep this retainer for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight. If you want to keep your teeth straight for life, you keep this retainer for life.
How can I make sure I do not break my retainer?
Some foods can result in the breakage of your retainer. It is best to be careful with:
- Harder foods such as apples and raw carrot
- Toffee or hard/sticky sweets
If you want to bite into apple or raw carrot with your front teeth it can help to cut them up into thin slices first.
Do I need to come back to get my retainers checked?
Yes! You we see you every 3 months for a year to have your teeth and your retainers checked. It is important that you attend these appointments. If there are any problems with your retainers you need to contact the practice ASAP! Remember, if your retainer comes away from a tooth even for a short period of time, your tooth will move and can move quickly!
You need to check your retainer every night when brushing to make sure it has not come away from your teeth. Sometimes the glue comes undone from your tooth/teeth and you do not notice it just by feeling your retainer with your tongue. The teeth can move very quickly when the retainer comes away and this is why we also provide removable retainers. We will check your retainer at every appointment but it is your responsibility check it in between.
What number do i need to call in emergencies or to discuss appointments?
The telephone number you need to call is 01896 759331.