Retainers

Your retainer is the appliance designed to maintain your teeth in their corrected positions.

There are several different types of retainers and instructions vary depending on which retainer the doctor has selected for you.

Removable Retainers:

You will likely wear this retainer 24 hours a day for one month.
This type of retainer should be left in while eating but removed for contact sports. When the retainer is not in your mouth, it should be in the retainer case.
After this time, the doctor will instruct you to wear the retainer at night for 8-10 hours.
Clean retainers 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 these 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.
Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
Retainer replacement is expensive… with proper care they will last for years!
Remove retainers when swimming.
Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

These retainers are typically worn for 12 hours each for the first month after your braces are removed.
After this time, the doctor will instruct you to wear the retainers together at night time for 8-10 hours.
Clean your retainers thoroughly with cool water and brush them with soap. Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used (with cool water) 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.
Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
Retainer replacement is expensive… with proper care they will last for years!
Remove retainers when swimming.
Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

Your fixed retainer will remain in your mouth permanently or until your doctor approves its removal.
A water pick is helpful in cleaning around a fixed retainer.
When brushing be extra careful to clean the wire and the inside of your lower teeth.
Remember to floss once per day and use a floss threader between the wire and the gums.
If your retainer becomes loose, please call our office immediately.