Retainers
- Wear your retainers for as long as you want your teeth to remain straight. University studies have shown that relapse is unpredictable.
- Wear your retainers every day for the number of hours prescribed by the doctor.
- Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
- Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and liquid soap and warm but not 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. Do not use toothpaste; it is too abrasive and will take the shine off your retainer.
- When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case in a drawer. 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 them faster.
- Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. Do not put them in your pocket or backpack without a case or the wire will get bent. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
- Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
- Retainer replacement is expensive...with proper care they will last for years!
- Remove retainers when swimming.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
Life with Braces / Types of Braces / Types of Appliances
Brushing and Flossing / Palatal Expander / Braces Diagram / Retainers
Color Your Retainer / Comfort Care Videos