Problems with Your Bonded Retainer:

Bonded retainers are a reliable form of retention, however, they do come with additional hygiene requirements and food/habit restrictions.

Most common reasons for poor cleaning around the bonded retainer:
1. Not brushing effectively in the area. You must angle your toothbrush vertically against the back of your front teeth to clean the retainer.
2. Not flossing under the wire. You MUST floss under the wire. Use a floss threader or Superfloss to get the floss between the teeth and under the wire. Do this on a regular basis to prevent calculus from forming.

Most common reasons for broken bonded retainers:
1. Using a toothpick to clean out food caught in the retainer.
2. Biting into hard foods like apples, carrots, and candy.
3. Biting on finger nails, which flexes the teeth.
4. Chewing ice.
5. Pulling too hard on the retainer when flossing.
6. Grinding or clenching your teeth.

If breakage or poor hygiene occur after more than 2 – 3 visits, removal of the bonded retainer may be required. There WILL BE a charge for any repairs, removal, and fabrication of a new retainer. Movement
can still occur with the teeth if there are habits present or if it becomes bent or broken.