Metal Mouth Message Board

I just noticed that it is very very easy to floss. I mean hardly any effort at all to get floss in between my teeth. Where as before with the braces on, it was more difficult. Do you think this is the beginning of gaps trying to open or, is it supposed to be a little bit more loose without the braces on. I don't really know what to expect. I am wearing the Essix retainer. Also, I have heard conflicting info on retainer care. Can I or can not drink with them in. And, how do I clean them.

Could the ease with which you can floss be an illusion because you're not having to manipulate the floss around the wires and brackets?

You should really ask your orthodontist about the retainer, but for me personally, I only drink water with my Essix retainer in (incase any liquid seeps in between the retainer and my teeth). As for cleaning, I clean it with a tooth brush and tooth paste, aswell as putting it into some denture cleaner when I'm not wearing it (although I put the denture tablet in cold water rather than hot, because apparently the Essix retainers are easily meltable).

Maybe you simply had very tight teeth prior to braces and now they are evenly spaced.

I would think that once they are removed, the teeth will loosen up a bit because there aren't brackets and wires holding them in place. They are probably just settling into place but if you notice gaps, I will call the ortho.