braces are off... now a retainer

If you have finished with your orthodontic treatment and are wearing retainers (or will be soon), this is a special place to connect with others in your (enviable) situation. Ask a question or make a comment about life post-braces.

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ali01
Posts: 18
Joined: Thu Feb 05, 2009 2:26 pm

braces are off... now a retainer

#1 Post by ali01 »

Hey,

After almost three years of wearing braces, i am happy to report that they came off yesterday :) I was given a permenant retainer on my bottom teeth and an invisible retainer for my top teeth.

My ortho told me to wear my invisible retainer full time for a month, i am just wondering how often should i clean the retainer and how? i was told that brushing the retainer with toothpaste wasnt a good idea?

Sorry if my questions seem silly ;p

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Lela
Posts: 157
Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2008 7:19 am
Location: USA

#2 Post by Lela »

I was told to use denture cleaning tablets or a soft toothbrush (no paste) to clean my Essix retainers. When I was wearing them 24/7 I cleaned them once a day with the tablets and then each time I removed them to eat I gave them a quick brushing to keep them fresh.
Fully braced 9-02-08
Braces off 9-21-09

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switchblades
Posts: 281
Joined: Thu Dec 04, 2008 11:22 pm
Location: Canada

#3 Post by switchblades »

I was told 24/7 wear for minimum 3 months, but also got my braces off earlier than expected. My ortho's assistant told me to brush them wtih a soft brush and either denture cleaning foam or mouthwash after each meal. I usually give them a soak in half-and-half solution of mouthwash and lukewarm water while I'm eating then a brush when I brush my teeth.
Initial Consult: August 22nd, 2008
Upper Arch Bracketed: October 22nd, 2008
Lower Arch Bracketed: December 3rd, 2008
Debraced: October 15th, 2009

My Story: http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... sc&start=0

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