Retainer Rules

Retainers are the only guarantee that your teeth will not shift through life

• Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
• Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
• Take your retainers out when eating…and always put retainers in their cases! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
• Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Always use cold 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 retainers are not in your mouth, they 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 aloud to get used to them 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 retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
• Retainer replacement is expensive…with proper care they will last for years.
• Remove retainers when swimming or playing contact sports.
• Keep retainers away from hot water, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins. Do not leave in the car on hot summer days.