Retainer Instructions
- Wear your retainer as your orthodontist prescribed (full time or at night)
- Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants when wrapped in a napkin or tissue and not in a case!)
- Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and SOAP not toothpaste! (too abrasive, it will scratch it and make it cloudy). Use 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. (Denture cleaner is too strong and may break it down)
- 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.
- Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years!
- Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
