Recommendations for the care and use of a retainer

Congratulations on completing your orthodontic treatment!

To maintain the results achieved, it is essential to strictly follow the recommendations for the retention period. After the braces have been removed, until the bone tissue has stabilised and returned to its original state, the teeth have a natural tendency to revert to their previous position; therefore, wearing retainers is essential.

Wearing your retainer

Wear your retainer as advised by your dentist. For the first 3 months after treatment ends, you must wear it continuously (around 20 hours a day), removing it only whilst eating and brushing your teeth. Your dentist may adjust the wearing schedule thereafter.

During the first few days of wearing the retainer, you may experience some pain and pressure around certain teeth. You may also notice increased salivation and minor speech difficulties. These are temporary effects that will subside after a few days, provided you wear the retainer for 20 hours a day.

Put on and take off the retainer carefully, on both sides at the same time. Do not try to put the retainer on by biting down on it with your teeth.

Caring for your retainer

Clean the retainer 2–3 times a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Each time you remove the mouthguard, rinse it under running water. You can also use specialised cleaning products – such as cleaning foam or tablets designed for mouthguards.

Do not use hot water, as this may cause the mouthguard to warp. Do not use abrasive toothpastes, harsh cleaning products, alcohol or antiseptics.

Store the mouthguard in its special case when not in use. Do not wrap the mouthguard in a napkin, as these are very often thrown away in restaurants and other establishments. Also, do not put the mouthguard in your clothing pockets, as it may become misshapen there.

Instructions for use

1. Brush your teeth thoroughly before inserting the mouthguard.
2. It is strictly forbidden to eat, drink hot beverages or smoke whilst wearing the retainer (this may cause it to become misshapen or break).
3. The retainer should be removed whilst drinking. The exception is drinking water at room temperature, which may be consumed whilst wearing the retainer.
4. Do not leave the retainer in direct sunlight, near heat sources or in a car.
5. Significant bending of the retainer may lead to micro-cracks forming on it, and subsequently to its breakage.

Follow-up appointments

Visit your orthodontist at the scheduled times to monitor the stability of the results. If the mouthguard has become loose, cracked, deformed, or no longer fits your teeth properly, or if its edges are damaging the mucous membrane of your cheeks, lips or tongue, please contact the clinic. If you have lost your mouthguard or it has broken, contact your dentist immediately.

Important

With prolonged use, areas of wear may appear on the retainer corresponding to the cusps of your teeth. This is not a cause for concern as long as the retainer remains intact.

Insufficient or irregular use of the retainer may lead to tooth movement and the loss of the results of your orthodontic treatment.