Removable Retainer Instructions

• Wear your retainers full time unless the doctor instructs otherwise.
• Take your retainers out when eating, and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
• Remove retainers when swimming.
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
• Do not boil or microwave retainers!
• 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 and other denture cleaners may discolor your retainer so do not use this type of product. Instead, try to find Retainer Brite. It can be purchased online and will not stain or discolor your retainer.
• 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 out loud 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!

If for any reason retainers cannot be worn, call for an appointment immediately. Don't adjust or tamper with the retainer. Anytime the retainer is out of your mouth, it is to be kept in the retainer case we provided. Your continued cooperation in this last phase of orthodontic treatment is very important.