Retainers

Instructions for Removable Appliances

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  1. All appliances should be worn twenty-four hours a day unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Benkovich. This time includes while sleeping.
  2. When you first start wearing an appliance your speech may sound different to you. Don't remove your appliance to speak. The more that you speak the faster things will improve. You can help things along by reading a book out loud to a family member.
  3. You must keep your appliance clean. The appliance will collect plaque like teeth do. Over time this can cause an odor. When you brush your teeth you need to brush your appliance also. Gently hold your appliance by the plastic in the palm of your hand and with your toothbrush firmly brush all areas of your appliance. (Be careful not to bend your wires.)
  4. Sometimes you may have a little discomfort when you first receive a new appliance. Removing them to make things feel better is not the answer, your relief will only be temporary. As soon as you place them back in the discomfort will start over again. Just know by wearing your appliance as instructed (full time) gradually over 3–5 days your teeth will feel much better.
  5. The only time your appliance should be removed is if you're swimming in water where you cannot see the bottom, playing a contact sport, brushing, and eating. If you remove your appliance it should be placed into your appliance case immediately. (This will help avoid loss or breakage.) It is expensive to replace your retainer.
  6. Do Not:
    • do not click appliance in and out of mouth with tongue (wire will break)
    • do not leave appliance in extreme heat
    • do not leave where a pet can get to them (they will eat them)
    • do not place them in your pocket, book bag, purse, etc. without being put into your case.
    • do not try to repair at home (with Crazy Glue)
  7. When your braces come off. Wearing your appliance is very important. If your appliance is not fitting please contact the office immediately. Your appliance is made to hold your teeth in their new position. Your teeth will move with poor retainer wear.