Your bonded lower retainer is cemented to the tongue side of your lower front teeth and is not a removable appliance. It is designed to last many years with proper care. The bonding material takes approximately 48 hours to become fully hardened, so during this time try to:

• AVOID hard or sticky foods like peanut brittle, ice, crusty French bread, caramel, and taffy.
  
• CUT raw carrots, celery, apples, etc. into small pieces that can be eaten easily by placing them directly into your mouth or by biting them from the side of your mouth.
  
• Use your own GOOD SENSE to modify or avoid foods that could loosen or break your retainer.

Also, please DO NOT POKE at the appliance with pens or other objects. Use only the tools we provide you with and the techniques that we instruct you in to loosen food and clean your mouth.

YOUR TEETH COULD MOVE if this retainer becomes loose or broken, so please contact our office as soon as possible if something doesn't feel right. Loose appliances harbor bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and bad breath. Therefore, brush your retainer thoroughly and gently floss under it regularly, being careful not to pull the floss up too hard or you will distort or dislodge the appliance.

Your cooperation in this last phase of your orthodontic treatment will insure that your newly straightened teeth remain in their proper positions.

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