The retainers you’ll receive are clear, thin plastic and will cover all of your teeth. This type of retainer is called a vacuum formed retainer and it is very comfortable to wear and take in and out. The clear retainers do a great job of keeping your teeth straight but must be worn full time the first year. And now a word from your new retainers:
“Hi, let us introduce ourselves! We are your new retainers. There are a few things you should know about us. We will be together day and night for the first year. We are very fragile so handle us with care. We can be a tempting treat for your dog or cat to eat. So…
Always keep us out of reach. Take us out when you eat and put us in our case. Never wrap us in your napkin or you may throw us away. Never put us in your pocket or we can break in two. If we do break in two, please continue to wear our pieces till we can be replaced. When you brush your teeth morning and night brush us with your toothbrush and water only. We are heat sensitive so don’t put us in hot water or leave us in a hot car. We could melt!"
Remember, your teeth can shift in as short a time as 4 hours. Wear your retainers 24 hours a day for the 1st year taking them out only to eat and brush.