Retainer Instructions

Retainer Instructions

• Wear your retainer full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
• Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
• Clean your retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing a retainer removes plaque and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but they do not take the place of brushing.
• When the retainer is not in your mouth it should ALWAYS be in a retainer 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 them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or if your retainer needs adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.
• Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
• Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years!
• Remove your retainer when swimming.
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins. High temperatures will permanently distort your retainer!