Metal Mouth Message Board

When I wore my Hawley retainer 24/7 I did not brush after eating. I never felt like I needed to brush before putting it back in.

In fact, I found it fine to eat with it in on some occasions and there were no issues (for example, going to Costco and trying the sample items).

I have only had experience with the Hawley retainer. I was able to speak normally after just a couple days so it was very easy to get used to. It is very comfortable and I don't even notice I am wearing it, so having my palette covered does not bother me at all. The wire is very thin and is hardly n...

I keep seeing conflicting instructions on how to clean your retainer. Some people say to clean it using a toothbrush and toothpaste. But then I have heard others say not to do that because toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch the acrylic. I have heard that you should rinse them in warm water a...

jrm - the hawley will be a better option if any teeth need to be realigned. I got a top and bottom hawley so that some of my teeth could be repositioned. The hawley retainers moved my teeth very quickly. Also the hawley retainers will last a lot longer if well cared for.

jrm - the hawley will be a better option if any teeth need to be realigned. I got a top and bottom hawley so that some of my teeth could be repositioned. The hawley retainers moved my teeth very quickly. Also the hawley retainers will last a lot longer if well cared for.

I never wore braces either but my impacted wisdom teeth seemed to cause crowding of my teeth in my upper and lower jaw. My dentist made me a retainer to wear to keep them from shifting anymore. I have read as well that impacted wisdom teeth do not cause your teeth to shift but I have a hard time bel...