Retainer Instructions

Following active treatment (time in braces OR ALIGNERS), when the teeth have been moved to as near their ideal positions as possible, it will be necessary to hold the correction with passive retaining appliances. These will be worn for a minimum of twelve months, and often longer. During this time, we continue with periodic inspection in order to observe the correction and adjust the retaining appliances.

Throughout life the teeth and jaws (like any other part of the body) are subject to change. This is true of all individuals whether they have had orthodontic treatment or not. Minor changes in the positions of teeth (especially lower front teeth) may occur following treatment. This is particularly true if the teeth were crowded before treatment.

IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE THE POSSIBILITY AND MAINTAIN THE OPTIMAL RESULT, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT RETAINING APPLIANCES BE WORN AS INSTRUCTED FOLLOWING TREATMENT.

• 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 toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors.
• When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer 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 them faster.
• Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
• Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
• Retainer replacement is expensive; but with proper care they will last for years!
• Remove retainers when swimming.
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.