Retainers

• Retainers are worn after braces to help keep the teeth in their new positions.
• Retainers are worn full time until the orthodontist tells you otherwise.
• When you take your retainers out be sure to put it in the retainer case.
• Keep your retainers away from pets – pets love to eat them.
• Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the retainers every day.  This will eliminate plaque and odors.  You can use products like Efferdent but the retainers still must be brushed.
• Retainers must be treated carefully.  They can be broken and are expensive to replace, but with proper care they will last for years.
• If you have questions about your retainers, please call.  Do not try to adjust your retainers yourself.
• Your retainers should always come with you to your appointments, even if you are no longer wearing them during the day.
• It will take a couple of days to get used to having retainers.  Practice speaking or reading out loud and you will adjust more quickly.
• Retainers are always taken out while eating, but be sure never to wrap it up in a napkin.  They are easy to throw away.
• If your retainers are lost or broken, call us immediately.
• Do not boil or microwave your retainers and do not leave them on a hot dashboard.
• When playing a sport, remove the retainers so you can wear your mouthguard.