Ouch!

[Jennifer]

I am happy to say yesterday I got my braces removed. Here is my problem. They gave me a temporary retainer for my top teeth. It is a clear molding of my teeth that I just slip on over my teeth. My problem is it is a pain getting the temporary retainer off to eat. Is there some secret into slipping that off my teeth without breaking a fingernail and going through alot of pain. I was told to take it out when I eat and brush. My next appointment is June 7th where I will get my permanent retainer. At this rate I am going to lose alot of weight because it is just to hard to remove the retainer.
_________________
J.J

[KJM]

Jennifer,
I believe that there is a tool out there to help release retainers. I am not sure of the name or where you can find it though. Maybe you can call your ortho and ask what they suggest, or if they know of this product.

Good Luck!

[rsprouse]

Jennifer,

Sounds like the office made you a very good fitting appliance. There is really nothing safe that you can use (unless you have access to a dental scaler or other instruments). Your best bet is to play with it. There will be a weak point at which you should start pulling. You just need to find that location. Typically it is found by grabbing behind your last tooth and trying to get an edge. Once you break the seal it should slide out, unless you have some sort of interference. Just play with it and i'm sure you can find that magic spot.

Good Luck,
Rory