Tips For Successful Post-Orthodontic Retainer Treatment
If you are getting your dental braces taken off soon and want to keep your teeth straight, then follow each of these tips for successful post-orthodontic retainer treatment:
Tip: Wear Your Retainers as Instructed by Your Orthodontist
When your braces are removed, your orthodontist will provide you with a pair of retainers. Since the risk of your teeth moving is highest during the first week post-removal, the orthodontist will likely instruct you to wear your retainers 24 hours a day during this period and then every night while you sleep. It is very important you follow their instructions so your teeth don't move out of alignment.
Tip: Always Remove Your Retainers When Eating or Drinking
Whenever you eat or drink, you should remove your retainers and put them in their holding case. This is very important because eating or drinking with your retainers on can lead to damage. Additionally, you should never chew gum with your retainers in your mouth.
Tip: Clean Your Retainers with a Non-Abrasive, Gel-Style Toothpaste
Each evening when you brush your teeth before bed and every morning when you get up, you must clean your retainers to keep them clean and free of decay-causing bacteria. To do so without damaging their plastic parts, brush the retainers with a gel-style toothpaste because it is much less abrasive than other types of toothpaste.
Tip: Use Your Retainer-Holding Container When Not Wearing the Retainers
When you are not wearing your retainers, it is vital you put them in their holding container. The container is made of hard plastic and designed to protect the retainers from damage when they aren't in your mouth.
Since you will use your retainer container other places than at your home, make sure you write your name and phone number on it. Use a permanent marker so the information doesn't wash off as the container gets wet. This simple step will ensure anyone who finds the container can return your expensive retainers back to you.
Tip: Attend Your Post-Treatment Appointments with Your Orthodontist
As a final tip for post-orthodontic treatment success with your retainers, it is important you attend all of your follow-up appointments with your orthodontist. The orthodontist will examine your teeth and retainers to ensure your teeth haven't moved and your retainer doesn't need replacement. If you skip these important appointments, then you may find your teeth will move over time and you won't be as satisfied with the results.
For more information, contact an office such as Eberting Orthodontics.
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