CLEAR RETAINER

PURPOSE: Your retainer has been specially made from recent impressions of your teeth. It's been determined that all corrections achieved during your treatment should be retained and appliances for either your upper or lower arch (or perhaps, both) have been constructed. We do not want your teeth to return to the original positions they were in before you wore fixed appliances (braces). Retainers prevent this from happening by assisting your teeth to remain in their newly corrected positions.

WEAR: Retainers are worn on a full-time basis after they are received. Dr. Crist will advise you when it is appropriate to reduce wear time. You should remove your retainer(s) for eating and drinking anything other than water. A lower retainer may be removable or cemented to the teeth. In the case of a cemented retainer, if it becomes loose call immediately for an appointment. It will not be necessary to visit Dr. Crist as often as was required when you wore braces; however, this does not mean this final phase of treatment is unimportant! Special wearing instructions may be necessary and all office appointments must be kept to insure that you treatment is successfully completed!

CARE: Removable retainers should be cleaned after each meal. This also provides and excellent opportunity to brush your teeth! Brush your retainer(s) with a toothbrush and cool water. Never expose your clear retainer to hot water or heat, this could cause distortion in the retainer and it may not fit correctly. Return retainer(s) immediately to your mouth.

Never wrap your retainer in a napkin or put it in your pocket. Always store it in your carrying case! DO NOT chew gum; it will stick to your retainer(s). Keep retainers away from pets and small children. Finally, your retainer is fragile and should never be abused. Any breakage may result in additional expense and EXTEND YOUR WEARING TIME! Remember that the most ideal place to store your retainer is in your mouth.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Your speech patterns may be slightly affected and you may notice more salvia during the first week of wear; this will disappear as you get used to the retainer(s). If your retainer causes soreness that does not go away after 5-7 days call us for appointment.

Phase Down Instructions for your Retainer

Continue full-time wear for 3 months.

Fourth month: leave retainer out for 4 hours each day for 1 month.

Fifth month: leave retainer out for 8 hours each day for 1 month.

Sixth month: leave retainer out for 12 hours each day for 1 month.

Seventh, Eighth & Ninth month: wear your retainer while sleeping (8-12 hours) every night until your next appointment.

At nine months Dr. Crist would like to see you again to ensure that your retainer is fitting.

BE SURE YOU BRING IT WITH YOU FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT!

** If at any time your retainer doesn't fit (feels too tight when wearing) phase down more slowly by wearing retainer more hours **

IF YOU HAVE A LOWER FIXED RETAINER THAT FEELS SHARP OR LOOSE, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED!