Retainer Instructions

— Wear your retainer at all times, until the doctor instructs otherwise.

— Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)

— Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. 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.

— 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.