Hawley Retainers

[jem]

yes

[art]

I have the same problem with my wraparound Hawleys-my bite feels off when I take them out. I feel like my upper is the worst maybe too "tight"? I don't know if the acrylic on the palette needs to be ground down some it isn't pushing out on my teeth so much. Does any one know if this is normal, or needs to be fixed?

[EWUgal15]

What's the correct way to clean Hawley retainers? I was told that toothpaste can scratch the acrylic.

The tech who worked with me when I picked up my Hawley said that I could brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, as long as I held it by the acrylic and not the wire. She also mentioned I could soak it in Efferdent (or some other denture cleaner). I've been very gentle when brushing mine and haven't noticed any scratches.

[art]

I use a mechanical brush and toothpaste with no scratching. I took mine in for an adjustment and they filed it down making a lot of noticeable scratches ( which I find really annoying) so I assume the scratching isn't that bad. I soaked my in hydrogen peroxide and the color of the palette acrylics "bled" onto and colored the front labial bow acrylic the same pink color. My orthodontist said he had never seen that before, and did not offer to make me a new retainer despite the discoloration.

[Carrotcake]

My orthodontist recommended white vinegar. It works really well. I mix it with one part vinegar with 2-3 parts water once every 1-2 weeks. Gently brush under running water with a soft bristle brush after soaking it for 2-3h. Stilll wearing my retainer full! Time so that's the longest I can soak it for now. I can foresee that I'd soak it during the day (8-10h) when I'm out and about, and don't need my retainer in my mouth.