Question 1

essix/clear retainer bite, what is this?

Accepted Answer

Essex: Names after the company that markets the plastic. Plastic is thermoformed over model of your teeth. Prevents destabilization of Orthodontic result. Each type of retainer has advantages and draw-backs. Ask your treating specialist Orthodontist or General Dentist to help you choose the type of retainer that best suits your needs.

Question 2

which is better- a clear retainer or metal retainer?

Accepted Answer

Retainer: Both have their pluses and minuses. A metal fixed retainer that is bonded into place works better for compliance because you can't remove it. It is however difficult to keep clean. Plastic or resin retainers can break and get lost but area easier to clean. It's really your choice....for the sake of retaining the teeth in place post orthodontic treatment, both work equally well

Question 3

i need to know how do you properly clean the clear, plastic retainers?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning retainers: Gently rinse w water every time you remove them. 2x/day gently wash w soap/water. Rinse thoroughly before reinserting. 1x/day place in a small bowl, cover completely w room temperature water, then drop in a denture cleaning tablet...follow package directions.

Question 4

i have clear u retainers, can the cold crack them?

Accepted Answer

Very cold might: It would take a combination of cold and something like stepping on them to crack them.  I see you live in south carolina, it will not get cold enough there to be a problem.   Be sure to wear them as instructed by your orthodontist.

Question 5

is dehp (dioctyl phthalate) present in clear retainers?

Accepted Answer

DEHP: There are numerous types of clear retainers, materials and labs that fabricate them. If you are concerned I suggest you ask the dentist who would be fabricating them for you to answer that question. He\she can contact the lab or manufacturer of the the material for a clarification on this issue. You can also request the MSDS information from the manufacturer.

Question 6

where can you buy wax for clear plastic retainers?

Accepted Answer

Wax: Wrong solution. Retainer should not be causing rubbing, cutting, scraping, ulcers, etc. Please return immediately to the specialist Orthodontist or General Dentist who made the retainer for what will probably be an easily accomplished adjustment. Dental wax is available in the dental aisle of your local drug store, or free from your Orthodontist, but it will nor readily adhere to a retainer flange

Question 7

what is clear retainer made of? i know it's plastic,but would like to know details to look up the potential toxicity.

Accepted Answer

PVC: This is a polypropylene or polyvinylchloride material, typically .020" or .030" thick. PVC only releases dioxin if it is not incinerated properly. It is not the case in orthodontics. All orthodontic materials used are CE and FDA approved Dental Clinic Products. Ask your orthodontist for more information. Nothing to be concerned.

Question 8

is it ok to clean a clear retainer for denture cleaning in dishwasher?

Accepted Answer

No problem: I don't see any problem with putting your retainer in a dishwasher, it will not damage the structure.
Will it remove all stains? I don't know the degree of stains or calcium retained in the acrylic part of your retainer. You can also use a denture cleaning solution or desolving tabs. Sold over the counter.
Good luck!

Question 9

i can't find my bottom metal retainers. is it okay if i use my clear whitening molds as retainers?

Accepted Answer

Not the same: Using your "whitening mold" as retainers is a good temporary fix. They are better than wearing nothing at all, however, they will not hold your teeth in proper position long term as they are made from more flexible material and have reserve spaces to hold the whitening gel. To keep your teeth from drifting out if position have your orthodontist made you a new set of retainers.

Question 10

lots of pain when put my clear retainer in, gums turn white. got my braces takes off 2 days ago.

Accepted Answer

See ur orthodontist: Your retainer should fit just right, no pain.

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Doctor answers about:

Wire retainer vs clear retainer

A member asked:

Essix/clear retainer bite, what is this?

A member asked:

Which is better- a clear retainer or metal retainer?

A member asked:

I need to know how do you properly clean the clear, plastic retainers?

A member asked:

I have clear u retainers, can the cold crack them?

A member asked:

Is dehp (dioctyl phthalate) present in clear retainers?

A member asked:

Where can you buy wax for clear plastic retainers?

A member asked:

What is clear retainer made of? i know it's plastic,but would like to know details to look up the potential toxicity.

A member asked:

Is it ok to clean a clear retainer for denture cleaning in dishwasher?

A member asked:

I can't find my bottom metal retainers. is it okay if i use my clear whitening molds as retainers?

A member asked:

Lots of pain when put my clear retainer in, gums turn white. got my braces takes off 2 days ago.

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