Life with Braces
| Types of Braces
| Braces Diagram
| Types of Appliances
| Retainer Instructions
Retainer Instructions
- Wear your retainers full time, until 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.)
- Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and water. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Orthodontic appliance cleaners (over the counter) can be used, 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! Retainers are expensive to replace so please be careful.
- 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 (the next business day).
- If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, call the office right away. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
- Always bring your retainers to your appointments. Your orthodontist cannot check the retainers if you do not bring them with you.
- Retainer replacement is expensive; with proper care they will last for years!
- Remove retainers when playing sports and swimming.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins. Wrapping your retainer in a napkin is a sure way to make it disappear!
