Retainer Instructions
Wearing and caring for your retainer properly is essential to maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment. Please follow these instructions carefully to protect your smile.
- Wear your retainer at all times unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
- Remove your retainer when eating and always place it back in its case. Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.
- Clean your retainer thoroughly once a day using a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm, not hot, water. Brushing removes plaque and helps eliminate odors.
- Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners may be used, but they do not replace daily brushing.
- When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should always be stored in its case. Pets love to chew on retainers.
- You may initially find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to adjust more quickly.
- Retainers are breakable and should be handled with care. If your retainer is lost or broken, contact our office immediately.
- If you have questions or believe your retainer needs adjustment, call our office. Do not attempt to adjust it yourself.
- Always bring your retainer with you to your orthodontic appointments.
- Retainer replacements can be expensive, but with proper care, retainers can last for many years.
- Remove your retainer when swimming.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, washing machines, and napkins.