Retainer Instructions

Removable Retainers

• Wear your retainer at all times, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
• Bring your retainer to ALL retainer-check appointments, including appointments with your dentist!
• When removing your retainer, ALWAYS use both hands to EVENLY remove it from your mouth. 
• When inserting your retainer, ALWAYS place the retainer in the mouth and evenly push the retainer with your thumbs and fingers. DO NOT BITE THE RETAINER IN AS IT WILL CRACK.
• Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case! Never place your retainer in a tissue (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
• Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and dishsoap. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Polident® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used Polident® does not replace scrubbing with a toothbrush.
• 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!
• Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

Bonded Fixed Wire Retainers

A bonded retainer is a wire that is permanently attached to the back of the teeth post-orthodontic treatment.

• The patient must floss under the wire DAILY as food can easily become trapped, causing cavities and/or gum disease (use a floss threader to easily floss under the wire!)
• If the wire becomes unattached on any of the teeth, contact us immediately.