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Retainer Instructions
You've got a GREAT smile!
You and Dr. Meyer's team have done all we can to create your super smile. Now it's up to you to keep it!
You have been wearing your retainers at night and they are fitting well enough that they need no additional adjustment. We no longer need to see you regularly.
To keep your great smile it is important that you decrease your retainer wear according to the following schedule:
- 1 year: 12 hours per night
- 6 months: Every other night (12 hours/night)
- 6 months: 3 nights per week (12 hours/night)
- 6 months: Weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) 12 hours/night
- 6 months: Every other weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) 12 hours/night
- FOREVER: A few nights per month as needed
The key to success is to be sure your retainers continue to fit well. If they get tighter you are not wearing them enough!
If you change to less wear (for example go from every night to every other night) and they get tight --it's too soon! You must stay at the old schedule for a few more months!
Your whole body is dynamic and changes your entire life - your teeth want to change too. Chewing motion, muscle forces and slow jaw changes cause the teeth to crowd naturally.
To keep your great smile, wear your retainers as much as needed! We are happy to check out or adjust them at any time. But, if they no longer fit, it's too late! They may wear out and need to be replaced for a small fee.
NOTE: If you have a "fixed" wire retainer behind your teeth, we would like to evaluate it for removal in 3-5 years. Please call our office when the time comes.
Good Luck!
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