Retainer Instructions
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Retainer Instructions
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The purpose of wearing a retainer is to help maintain the beautiful smile we have worked so hard to achieve. Without proper retainer wear, your teeth may shift back to their previous positions.
- Research has shown LIFETIME retention is the only way orthodontically treated teeth remain stable!
- 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.
- Soak in white vinegar to remove any tartar that may develop.
- Avoid flipping or playing with your retainers with your tongue. This will result in broken wires and tooth movement. The retainer(s) must be completely seated at all times.
- No chewing gum with retainers.
- 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; 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.
STRAIGHTENING TEETH IS A TEAM EFFORT! You and the doctors and staff have worked hard together to achieve your new smile. It is up to you to keep it looking great for a lifetime.