Dear

The clear plastic retainers you have received are custom made to fit your teeth. They are made by heating and adapting specially formulated acrylic to the models made from the impressions of your teeth taken after the braces were removed. These retainers are made to hold (not move) your teeth in place so there should only be slight pressure when you insert them. If there is a lot of pressure, it may mean that your teeth are trying to move and you should tell me immediately.

While these retainers have been constructed for maximum comfort and esthetics, they also are expected to last for as long as you are expected to need retention. If for any reason the retainers break, crack or in any way become unusable through no fault of yours, I will be happy to replace them at no charge. If the loss or damage is your fault and you are able to bring in the green models there again will be no charge for the replacement retainers. However, if you loose or break the retainers and do not have the green models, there will be a $45.00 fee to replace them.

1. Wear a minimum of fourteen hours per day (includes sleep time)

2. Do not wear them when you eat

3. Keep them in your case when not wearing them

4. Brush them with tooth brush and toothpaste before and after wearing

5. Bring the retainers (not the models) to your appointments

6. Call if you have any problems or questions

Finally, it must be clearly understood that wearing your retainers is as important as everything else you have done. Teeth have a memory that tries to move them back to their original positions. Good retainer wearing is the only thing that will prevent it.

Also, CONGRATULATIONS!!

Sincerely,

Dr. Alan Berko

Copyright Dr. Alan Berko, 2000-2008.
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