Your New Retainer Needs Daily Oral Hygiene Measures

Now that your orthodontic braces have fully corrected the alignment of your teeth Dr. William K. Farrar, Jr. can uninstall the components from your mouth. This represents the start of the retention phase of the process.

There will likely be some residual tension in your dental sockets. If it’s not countered by the regular use of a retainer it could cause your teeth to relapse out of their ideal position.

Hawley retainers are the most common option that Dr. Brenna Christensen provides. It is a removable mouthpiece made from a special acrylic material. It also includes strong wires that will lock the retainer in your mouth.

The retainer will need daily care and cleaning to prevent damage and maximize its ability to hold your teeth in position. If some part of it is bent, damaged, or the retainer suffers excess wear and tear, it could increase the amount of time they need to use a retainer.

You should take your Hawley retainer out when eating. This will prevent food particles from getting trapped under the retainer and keeps it safe from damage. If possible, you should always store it in the case provided.

The Hawley retainer can easily be refreshed by soaking it for a few minutes in an equal mixture of water and antiseptic mouthwash. You can then also lightly brush away any plaque buildup with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste.

If you had your teeth corrected by braces at Dr. Brenna Christensen ’s orthodontic clinic in Kennesaw, Georgia, and you have a question about how to best maintain your new retainer, you can call (678) 401-4321 to speak to a staff member at West Cobb Orthodontics.