- Wear your retainer all the time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
- Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it in the case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
- Clean your 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 the retainer is not in your mouth it should ALWAYS be in a 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 them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or if your retainer 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 swimming.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
