Since I didn't want to take my Essix retainers out for a few hours, I decided to enjoy everyone's company while sipping water and then when I wanted a glass of red wine, I took out retainers (yes I got laughed at when the slober came out with them!) for about an hr and just enjoyed some wine alternating with water.
Then I realized that I forgot to bring a traveling toothbrush, so I rinsed really well with water and rinsed the retainers off and put them back in to finish enjoying the evening - retainers IN, drinking water only.
Once I got home I brushed my teeth and retainers REALLY well and put them back in.
I'm going to my highschool / facebook reunion in a few days in FL and wondered if I would have trouble "mingling" with my retainers in, but it's no problem. I'm so happy and definitely want to keep my teeth straight so I will wear my retainer during this reunion and only take it out to eat/drink.
At 41, I'm definitely doing what I'm told. This is my 2nd time in braces and I believe when I was 25, I didn't take the rules seriously. Now I do.
Hope everyone is as happy as I am. 16 mo in braces was great, but I feel like it's taking me a while to get the hang of these retainers.
It will be fine. Other than the occassional lisp and teasing that I get from coworkers, I'm so happy ..... It's all worth it!
