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.
Finally got my braces off the other day. When I got my retainers the next day, they said wear them all the time and only take them out to eat. How long is it safe to leave them out for? I'm just concerned about going out to eat, because I obviously don't want to be sitting there in a restaurant pulling slobery plastic out of my mouth. But obviously I don't want my teeth to get screwed up again.
I've gone one more question also. I notice when I take my retainers out they smell kind of... bad. Will they cause bad breath or is it really only noticeable when you're taking them out? I usually rinse them a couple times a day in cool water but I dunno if that's enough since I've only had them a couple days.
I was told an hour might be okay without them in, but she didn't seem to happy about that question. Standard practice would be to maybe excuse yourself to the restroom right before and after eating. I wouldn't risk leaving them out for an hour unless absolutely needed.
