Retainer Instructions

Wear your retainer at all times, until the our office instructs otherwise.

• Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case! DO NOT EVER WRAP IT UP IN A NAPKIN (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
• Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste.  You can also use antibacterial hand soap and rinse them thoroughly. Use cold water and never hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.
• When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Pets love to chew on them!
• Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to it faster.
• Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call us immediately.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or you believe it needs adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.
• Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
• Retainers can last for years with proper care, but will need periodic replacement.
• Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
• If you have a permanent retainer bonded to the back of your front teeth, you must floss with a floss threader or super floss each night to help maintain good oral hygiene.

REMEMBER:   Teeth will always want to shift throughout your life, so retainer wear is lifetime if you want to maintain that beautiful, healthy smile you worked so hard to achieve.