Soaking?

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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Loch
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Feb 14, 2007 5:14 am

Soaking?

#1 Post by Loch »

Hello, I hope this question hasn't been asked. I looked around but am kinda half awake lol.

I just got my braces off yesterday after almost 4 years. They gave me the clear ones (Essex I assume).

What I did after getting them is took them out, rinsed, ate, and put them back in after brushing. At night I brushed it and rinsed it and put it in its case. I put in my night retainer, and that was that.

The thing is, I'm wondering if we need to soak our retainers when we arent using them. I have two, one for day and one for night. I read that they can get dry and brittle, is that true? I really can't afford another set if that happends...

I only have the top retainer because one of my bottom teeth are crooked and I paid a lot of money for this with no insurence, so I want it done right.

Any help is appreciated.

Attagirl2
Posts: 703
Joined: Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:19 am
Location: Ohio

#2 Post by Attagirl2 »

Hi Loch. I would recommend calling your orthodontist's office. They will tell you how to treat your retainers. I have a Hawley type and was told to brush it with toothpaste or use retainer brite, but not to leave it soaking for a long period of time.

Congratulations on getting your braces off.
Had Damon 3 / Smart Clips for almost 2 years
Now in Hawley upper 10 hours/day, permanent lower retainers

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jennielee81
Posts: 2144
Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:31 pm
Location: The Old Line State

#3 Post by jennielee81 »

I have a lower essex and was told to just brush and rinse it.

I soak mine in Retainer Brite once in a while but only for about 15 minutes.

You may want to call your ortho but official instructions, but mine told me that soaking any retainer wasn't necessary.
"Life is an occasion; RISE TO IT!" --Mr. Magorium
I wore Damon 3's and Opals for 20 months at age 42. Braces off January 2007
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=3535 a little more about me here: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/co ... 961130.htm

Lyn
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2005 2:45 pm

#4 Post by Lyn »

I also have an Essix retainer.

My ortho said anytype of denture cleanser is fine. I drop them in the cleanser while I take a shower, and pop them back in after I'm done getting ready for the day.

Otherwise, I bought a small head toothbrush (the kind kids use) and simply brush them with COLD water each time I take them out to eat (to remove saliva).

Hope this helps! :D
Last edited by Lyn on Thu Feb 22, 2007 7:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
~Lyn
16 months in BRACES!
Ceramic Braces on top 7/3/05
Metal Braces on bottom 10/25/05
OFF 11/8/06 - Now in Essix Retainers 24/7
Image

Lyn
Posts: 179
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2005 2:45 pm

#5 Post by Lyn »

Something just happened to my post.........Help!!!

Something strange is going on. . . . I can't even edit it!! :x
~Lyn
16 months in BRACES!
Ceramic Braces on top 7/3/05
Metal Braces on bottom 10/25/05
OFF 11/8/06 - Now in Essix Retainers 24/7
Image

bbsadmin
Posts: 3469
Joined: Sat Aug 28, 2004 7:03 pm
Location: Northern California
Contact:

#6 Post by bbsadmin »

I don't see anything weird about your message, but I'm assuming that you may have used one of the restricted words, and others were substituted.

In this case, I am guessing that the word you used had something to do with the denture cleaner that starts with the letter "p". Why is that word restricted? Because we were getting several spam registrations from people hawking some sort of bogus refund offer regarding that product. I did several creative things with that word and several alternate spellings of it.

For instance, here is the substitution of that denture cleaner that starts with P: The cleaner that starts with the letter P that has been used in spam posts, so it's censored.


See what I mean?
I'm the owner/admin of this site. Had ceramic uppers, metal lowers ~3 years in my early 40's. Now in Hawley retainers at night!

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