Troubleshooting:
Retainers
Retainers are used to hold your teeth in place once treatment has been completed. Following braces, they are typically a fixed wire behind your teeth or a clear plastic plate. Most patients we treat receive both.
Fixed retainers
These can become detached or broken if hard foods are eaten. If the wire is digging in it may be able to be tucked out of the way or trimmed with a pair of nail cutters. Wearing your removable retainer every night will minimise the chance of your teeth moving.
Removable retainers
It is important to always wash your hands before handling your removable retainer.
Removable retainers can be damaged if they are left somewhere:
Warm – which causes them to distort, or
Where pets (dogs) can get to them—which causes them to be destroyed.
We may not be able to replace removable retainers at this time so taking good care of your removable retainers has now become even more important.