am I supposed to remove my retainers while drinking soda?

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#1 Post by **fff** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 4:14 pm

if I drink soda, coffee, anything that is not water, am I supposed to remove my retainers?

#2 Post by **sillyface** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:11 pm

Just looking in the Naked Tooth forum you'll find several posts on this topic. It seems some orthos say that it's fine to drink with the retainers in while others strongly discourage it. When in doubt, ask your ortho, after all, they've gotten you this far in your treatment!

Personally, I wouldn't want the sugar or dark liquid against my teeth for so long but I'd imagine if you don't want to take them out you could rinse with water after your other drinks?

#3 Post by **ReneG** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 5:06 am

You CAN but should you? The temperature, colour, content of your drink can affect your retainers.

I've been limiting myself to room temperature water when I have my braces on. Anything more and I'll remove my retainers.

A replacement pair will cost me SGD$500 (about USD360) so I want these to last as long as possible!

#4 Post by **alimommy1** » Sun Jul 11, 2010 1:58 am

My ortho's office said it was fine but I have a hawley, not an essix. I can't imagine drinking anything with an essix in...

#5 Post by **alimommy1** » Sun Jul 11, 2010 1:59 am

...and I drink cold things but NOT hot, so no coffee, no tea, no soup. Don't want to warp it.

#6 Post by **ReneG** » Sun Jul 11, 2010 2:39 am

Duh. I meant to say "I've been limiting myself to room temperature water when I have my *retainers* on."

Also forgot to add that I have hawleys - acrylic and wires (with solder). Not sure what exactly essix retainers are made of.

Only 3.5 weeks more of 23/7 wear *grits teeth and bears it*

#7 Post by **alimommy1** » Mon Jul 12, 2010 10:40 pm

Essix are plastic, they almost look like invisalign trays. I have metal solder on my hawley too, by the c-clasps on it. I haven't seemed to have any problems caused by drinking anything with it, no stains or other ....