Retainers and Drinking- Removal?

[bentdthomas]

Hi all,
This is my first post here, so let me know if something's wrong.
After 19 months, I got my braces off this morning! I am 22 years old, so it was great to be done. Then I was given a retainer, which I expected, but told to wear it 24/7 except for eating and drinking not water (for the first 2 months). My problem is, I am going to visit a friend tomorrow for a few days, who I have not seen in a long time, and we will inevitably be doing some drinking. I was told by my ortho's assistant that it is critical I wear my retainers as much as possible especially in the first few days, with a max of an hour or two off, but I am concerned that in the next 3 days there will be long periods of time that I will be drinking. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which might be better (or less bad)- keeping my retainer in while I drink alcohol, or removing it for likely at least 5 hours a day the first 3 days after removing my braces?

My ortho. is closed on Fridays so I now cannot ask them until Monday. I know it sounds like a stupid problem, but I am travelling 6 hours to see him and don't feel like drinking water the whole time.

Thanks!

[assertives]

removing it for likely at least 5 hours a day the first 3 days after removing my braces?

I don't know how bad it is if you drank alcohol with your retainers in, but this, is a bad idea. Especially in the first few days after getting your braces off when your teeth are still settling down. Your teeth could still move in the rather long period of time that you do not have your retainers on. I wouldn't risk not wearing the retainers.

I guess if you really really must drink, then perhaps being on top of swishing your mouth after drinking would help. I would imagine it can't be good for the alcohol to be trapped in the retainers next to your teeth and gums for long periods of time.

[Heartofdarkness]

I would keep them on, swish with water like suggested and also using a straw and drink carefully, like not swishing it around and stuff.

[djspeece]

Two worlds colliding, the real one and the orthodontic one. Here is what I would probably do: choose your drinks carefully, avoiding those foo-foo drinks that are laden with sugar, fruits, and those little paper umbrellas (generally good advice at any time ); this would also include drinks like rum and coke. I'd also avoid drinks that would stain, like those based on coffee (e.g., Irish Coffee). That basically leaves you with doing shots or taking your drinks neat. That's probably not a good idea for 5 hours a day over several days, though. Probably the most important thing, and the most difficult as the day wears on, would be to go the restroom, remove your retainer, and brush your teeth and the retainer thoroughly, every hour. As far as drinking through a straw goes: no self-respecting guy is going to drink a martini or a beer or anything with a straw. That's like an invitation to get your butt kicked. You might get away with it with something like a frozen margarita, but even that is questionable.
In any event be safe, use a designated driver or public transportation, and have a great time!

[lambchop]

Oh for God's sake..drink, relax, enjoy! Your teeth aren't going to dissolve within the space of a day or two or three if you drink something other than water while wearing your retainer. If you happen to think about it, take out your retainer and swish with water and do a little brushing; put the retainer back in and carry on! (I speak from experience!) Enjoy your new smile!