1. Start by micro-etching the lower, every tooth that the retainer will be bonded to!!!

2. Once the patient rinses out, place a large cotton roll in between there lower lip and another one to hold their tongue back. Cheek retractors are not necessary, but you want to stay as isolated as If the patient started with severe crowding, you would bond the lower 3-3 to every tooth so nothing moved). Dry each tooth completely before dabbing a light layer of etch on the backside of each tooth. After the etch has sat for 30 seconds, rinse thoroughly. Dry the tooth again before adding a light layer of ortho solo and again drying to make sure it is COMPLETELY dry!!

The lower permanent retainer is pre made from check debond appointment by the lab with an .022 SS wire. Once the teeth are prepped you WILL use floss to help bond and hold retainer in place.

4. Create a loop with the floss and place the floss (with the loop towards the tongue) in between the lower laterals and cuspid leaving a half inch of the loop to work with. Place one more piece of floss in between lower centrals. Use the cotton pliers to thread the retainer in the floss and, once in place, pull the floss to hold the retainer in place.

5. Use a micro brush moistened with ortho solo to smooth adhesive over wire, keeping away from the gum tissue and incisal edge but not creating a ledge or “bubble” with the adhesive.

Now there are two reason why you would bond the lower wire to every tooth. If they have super mobile teeth you will bond to every tooth. If they have severe crowding at the start of their treatment, then you will bond retainer to every tooth. If neither of these apply, then just bond wire at the cuspids.

Once the glue has been cured for 10-15 seconds each side then the patient is allowed to go rinse out.