Fixed Retainer Pre-Visit Instructions
What You Should Do Before Your Fixed Retainer Appointment
A Fixed Retainer, often called a “lingual wire,” is a thin, flexible wire attached to the back of the teeth using a specialized dental adhesive. Unlike removable retainers, fixed retainers are permanent and designed to maintain teeth alignment over the long term. While they are minimally visible, fixed retainers require a consistent oral hygiene routine to keep them clean and functional.
Following these pre-visit instructions will help you prepare for a successful fixed retainer appointment and ensure your new retainer lasts as long as possible.
Eating Before Your Appointment
Enjoy a regular breakfast and lunch on the day of your appointment. Having a full meal beforehand will prevent hunger since you may need to avoid certain foods after the retainer is placed.
Medications
Continue taking any usual medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you’ve recently started new medications or had changes to your health status, please inform your dentist beforehand, as this may impact the treatment plan.
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.
What to Wear to Your Appointment
To make your visit comfortable, consider the following clothing tips:
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing with an open collar.
- Avoid wearing white or light-colored clothing, as they may show any stains from the procedure.
- Minimal makeup is recommended, and it’s best to avoid high heels and colored/gel nail polish.
- Remove contact lenses and jewelry, especially tongue, lip, or nose piercings.
Reviewing Post-Operative Instructions
Before your appointment, review the post-operative care instructions for fixed retainers. Following these guidelines is essential to prevent damage to the retainer and to promote healing if any adjustments are made during your appointment.
Have More Questions?
If you have additional questions about your fixed retainer appointment or the retainer itself, feel free to contact us at Atlas Dental. Our team is here to make your experience as smooth as possible.
