- Wear your retainer at all times or 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 become accustomed to it faster.
- Retainers are breakable so be sure to treat yours with care. If your retainer becomes lost or broken, call us immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer or you believe it needs adjusting, please 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.
