- Retainers are a lifetime commitment!
- Wearing a retainer after braces is crucial to prevent teeth from shifting back. Not wearing a retainer as advised by your orthodontist can undo your orthodontic treatment.
- Retainers are worn full-time for the first 6 months.
- Take your retainer out when eating, and drinking anything but water and always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
- Clean the retainer once a day with a toothbrush. 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 your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Pets love to chew on them!
- 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.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.