Fixed Retainer Post-Insertion Instructions
What You Should Do After Receiving Your Fixed Retainers
Fixed orthodontic retainers, also known as lingual wires, are permanent retainers bonded to the back of the teeth to maintain their alignment. While discreet and effective, they require specific care to keep both your retainer and oral health in top shape. This guide provides essential post-insertion instructions and best practices for maintaining your fixed retainer.
If your appointment is upcoming, consider reading our pre-visit instructions to prepare.
Food & Eating Tips
- Avoid Biting Hard Foods: There are no strict restrictions on food, but be cautious with hard or sticky foods that could stress the retainer. Biting directly into hard items like apples, nuts, or ice can damage or dislodge the wire. Instead, cut hard foods into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Sugar can contribute to plaque buildup around your retainer, increasing the risk of cavities. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and aim for a diet that supports good oral health.
Oral Hygiene with Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers can make oral care more challenging, but adhering to a strong hygiene routine is critical.
Brush After Every Meal: Ideally, brush your teeth after every meal to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup around your retainer. If that’s not possible, rinse with water or mouthwash.
Choose a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Use a toothbrush that’s gentle on your teeth and gums. The Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft Swiss Toothbrush is a great choice. For enhanced cleaning, consider an electric toothbrush, such as the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100, which can help remove more plaque around the retainer.
Daily Flossing is a Must: Flossing around a fixed retainer requires specialized floss, like Oral-B Super Floss. This floss includes a stiff end to thread under the retainer wire, allowing you to clean between teeth effectively.
Consider a Water Flosser: A water flosser, like the Waterpik Aquarius, is an excellent addition to your routine. It helps remove debris and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas around your retainer. Use it once a day as a minimum, ideally with every brushing session.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash Daily: Mouthwash is crucial for fighting bacteria and maintaining fresh breath. Look for a mouthwash that promotes cavity prevention and gum health. We recommend Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield CPC Mouthwash for its broad-spectrum antibacterial protection.
Use a Fluoride Toothpaste: Toothpaste with fluoride helps prevent cavities, which is essential with fixed retainers. Colgate Total Advanced Professional Clean Toothpaste is a good choice for cavity prevention and overall oral health.
Routine Dental Checkups
Regular dental visits are essential for monitoring your retainer’s condition and ensuring it stays securely bonded to your teeth. Your dentist or orthodontist can check for wear, make adjustments, and clean around the wire as needed.
Handling Damage or Loosening
If your retainer feels loose or you notice any damage, contact us immediately. Avoid touching or pushing the wire yourself, as this can worsen the issue.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
At Atlas Dental, we’re committed to helping you maintain the beautiful smile achieved through orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions or need additional guidance on caring for your fixed retainer, please contact us or book an appointment online.
