Orthodontic Retainers
We ask you to wear your retainer full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. You’ll eventually reduce your retainer wear, but retention is for life!
Take your retainer out to eat and to clean it, and always put it back in its case. Most of the time when an appliance or retainer is lost or broken, it was out of the case and while at school or at a restaurant. When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should always be in its case. Pets love to chew on them! Our motto is “If it’s not in your face, it’s in your case!”
Orthodontic Retainer Care
To clean the retainer, brush it thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste, using warm but not hot water.
Brushing your retainer removes the plaque, eliminates odors and keeps it sparkling clean. Orthodontic appliance cleaners such as Retainer Brite® or Efferdent® can be used to occasionally soak your appliance, but do not take the place of brushing. You may find it difficult to speak with your retainer in your mouth at first, but we recommend practicing speaking, singing, or reading out loud to get used to it faster.
Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. Do not try to adjust your appliance or retainer on your own. Call us right away if you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, if you believe it needs to be adjusted or if it gets lost or broken.
Always bring your retainer to your appointments. Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years! Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, napkins and pets.
Mouthguards
When To Use a Mouthguard
Protecting your smile while playing sports is essential when you have braces. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury.
If you participate in basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, wrestling, it is recommended by the Canadian Association of Orthodontists that you wear a mouthguard.
Types of Mouthguards
There are three basic types of mouthguards: pre-made mouthguard, “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguard, and custom- made mouthguard. Choosing the right mouthguard is essential.
When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, comfortable and well fitted for your mouth, easy to keep clean, and does not prevent you from breathing properly.
Pre-made mouthguards and “boil-and-bite” mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting good stores; while custom-made mouthguards are specially designed by your dentist or Orthodontist to provide optimal protection against mouth injuries. If you wear braces or a retainer, it is imperative for you to wear a mouthguard during contact sports. Your Dentist or Orthodontist can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard to protect your smile.