Retainer Care
Retainers support the teeth in their corrected positions, and guide the teeth into the established bite. Failure to wear the retainers as directed, even for a short time, will result in an undesirable shifting of the teeth; therefore, observe the following instructions carefully:
- Wear your retainers all the time at home, including when you are sleeping. We ask that you do not take your retainer to school, work, or anywhere you are likely to misplace it.
- If at some point your retainer feels tighter than usual when you put it in the next day, this means your teeth are trying to move, so you will need to wear the retainer more during the day. In three months you may wear the retainer at night only.
- If a localized irritation of the gums, lips, cheeks, or tongue develops as a result of the retainer, you can smooth down any rough edges with a clean fingernail file. If this is unsuccessful, call our office for an adjustment appointment.
- Care for your retainer in the following manner:
- Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and cool water and toothpaste. Never use very hot water or boil the retainer as it may become distorted. Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors.
- You may periodically use Retainer Brite, Efferdent, or other orthodontic appliance cleaners, but these do not take the place of brushing.
- Keep your retainer in its plastic case whenever it is out of your mouth. This prevents bending, breaking, or loss. Also, pets love to chew on them! Never wrap it in a napkin or place it in your pocket or purse.
- The bad taste, awkward feeling, and possible speech difficulties associated with a new retainer will disappear in a few days.
- TAKE CARE OF YOUR RETAINER!!! If the retainer becomes broken or lost, call our office to have a new one made. There is a charge for replacement.
- Please bring your retainer to all retainer check visits in case adjustments are necessary.