Retentive Retention

Let's hope we can all remember the importance of our retainment phase - it very well may be THE most important part of our treatment afterall...

From: http://www.pcsortho.org/bulletin/00/bullf00new.html

"the retention phase of orthodontic treatment will frequently determine the long-term benefit patients ultimately derive from our care. Careful consideration to and execution of the retention phase of orthodontic treatment will help reduce the risk that joyful short-term success will turn into agonizing long-term failure.

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And again (may be a bit a-retentive about this, but feel this bears repeating):
the reasons why not to have acidic drinks while wearing aligners - especially during overnight. Have heard many folks say they do this on a regular basis with the emphasis of concern being the staining of their trays. Since their appearance seems fine they then assume it's okay to do so, being better than removing their trays for extended periods for every single drink. What many may not realize (maybe because they've not been clearly warned by their clinicians of the actual reason WHY) is discolouration of their trays is of minor concern complared to "demineralization" of their teeth:

http://www.oralhealthjournal.com/

"Any plastic appliance that covers some or all of the teeth is, in effect, a tray. When fluoride is placed in the appliance, the enamel becomes more resistant to decay. When bleach is placed in it, the teeth become whiter. However, when acidic foods or beverages are retained in the appliance, it becomes an acid-containing trench causing the enamel to become susceptible to demineralization. This is one of the reasons that clear plastic retainers are to be worn only at night, after brushing and flossing--to minimize the possible effects of acid-containing foods and beverages that could be retained in the appliance.

When any clear plastic appliance is used, the patient should be informed of the dental side effects of acid-containing foods and beverages when they wear these devices for long periods of time, and to flush the mouth with water immediately after drinking acid-containing beverages (soft drinks, fruit juice, cola beverages, etc.). Commercially available daily fluoride remineralization rinses are also recommended. These precautions may prevent teeth from being marred by unsightly decalcification."
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Demineralization is the loss of mineral from teeth caused by bacterial acids, acidic foods (soft drinks, juices, etc) that leads to caries. Toothbrushing abrasion can also do this.  We're often told only to drink water while wearing these aligners - so that explains it.