Retainers

Guidelines for the wearing retainers

• Wear retainers all the time or until the orthodontist gives different instructions.
• Remove retainers while eating.
• Always put retainers in their case. Most retainers are lost in restaurants and school lunch rooms.
• Include retainers in regular oral hygiene: brush thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste, using warm water- not hot- to remove plaque and eliminate odors. Orthodontic appliance cleaners do not take the place of brushing.
• Retainers can break and melt. Keep them in their case and away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine and napkins.
• Retainers are frequently shiny or brightly colored, making them attractive to curious pets. Be sure to keep them in their case.
• Practice reading aloud, singing or speaking to quickly get used to wearing a retainer.
• If retainers are lost or broken, call your orthodontist immediately.
• Remove retainers when swimming.
• Don’t try to adjust retainers. They’re expensive to replace.
• If questions or concerns come up, feel free to call the orthodontist’s office.