Retainer Questions

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#1 Post by **becky_boop** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 10:55 am

So, today I went in to get my retainers. I was told to wear them 24/7, except for when I'm brushing my teeth. I'm supposed to wear them even while I'm eating. I have a few questions...

1. I tried eating with retainers for the first time today, and I'm a little bit scared. It felt very odd. Will I get used to it?

2. Can I still have bubblegum and popcorn? I've been having gum and popcorn nonstop since I got the braces off. Do I have to go back to staying away from sticky/hard foods?

3. Sort of OT, but when did you start talking normally again? Seems like my lisp will never go away!

#2 Post by **smile2006** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 2:42 pm

I enjoy participating in this board especially when I see examples of how people are told the totally opposite thing. Do you have hawley retainers? I do and I was instructed to never eat with them in because you could bend the wire and the wire clasps.... who knows

Do others eat with them in???

I did find my lisp went away after teaching one 3 hour class. I simply told my students (college age) what was going on. They were kind and my speech straightened out quickly! I only have to wear them full time for a month which is over this Thursday. After Thursday at night for a year then 2-3 times per week for life.

#3 Post by **becky_boop** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 4:24 pm

Yes, it's a Hawley. It's probably judged on a case-by-case basis.

Website · #4 Post by **alexa** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 6:53 pm

I was told to take them out when I eat...

...and since I'm a grazer and rarely eat a meal in one sitting, it leads me to have my retainers out entirely too much...

#5 Post by **nvcarissa** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:41 pm

I don't eat with them in, but I drink water and coffee. I have a question about drinking diet coke with them in. Will that hurt them? I am drinking one right now and have my retainers out for worries about the carbonation. But I don't want to have to slam my drink!

#6 Post by **nvcarissa** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:43 pm

And I was told to wear them 24/7 for the first year, and then nightly after that. Man...everyone is sooo different!

#7 Post by **Chris** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 8:03 pm

I take them out for eating and drinking.