• Wear your retainer at all times, or as instructed by your orthodontist.
• Take your retainer out while eating, and always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
• Clean your retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Be sure to use warm but not hot water as it can distort your retainer. 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 it's case. Pets love to chew on them so always keep them out of reach.
• 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 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.
• Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years!
• Remove your retainer while playing sports.
• Keep your retainer away from hot water, hot car dashboards, any heat source, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.