Retainer Instructions

• Wear your removable retainer as instructed by your doctor. Invisalign trays should be worn 22 hours a day. Post braces retainers are initially worn 16 hours a day and after retainer check appointment are often worn only at night. 
• Remember your retainer should be in your mouth, in your hand, or in your case. Always take your retainer out when eating or drinking and always keep it in your hand or in your case. (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
• Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and antibacterial soap. Use warm but not hot 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!
• 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!
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
• Bonded retainers help to hold your teeth in place for a lifetime-if it becomes loose, please call our office immediately. If it comes off completely, put it in your case and wear your removable retainer 24/7 except when eating or brushing until you can come to the office with the retainer to be repaired.