Retainer Instructions

Make Your Retainer Work For You

Your retainer is specially designed by your orthodontist to help you maintain the results from your treatment. Follow the instructions given to you for wearing and taking care of your retainer and your reward will be a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.

It's Really Up to You

If your retainers are to do their important job, you must do three things:

1. Wear Them As Directed.

Retainers are effective only if you faithfully follow your instructions for wearing them.

Your retainer does its job only when it is in your mouth, not in your pocket or purse. Remember: wearing that retainer after your braces are removed is the best way to preserve that healthy, beautiful smile you worked so hard to get.

2. Keep Them Clean.

Cleaning your Fixed retainer: It is important to brush thoroughly after meals and clean under the wire with dental floss at least once a day.

Cleaning your Hawley retainer: Clean your appliance when you are brushing your teeth. Brush the wires and plastic surfaces gently to reduce plaque accumulation.

Cleaning your Essix retainer: Clean your appliance with a cotton swab or q-tip. Gently swiping all over the inside and outside surfaces. Never use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your essix retainer to avoid scratching it.

Retainer cleansing tablets may also be used for your removable retainers but does not take the place of brushing it.

3. Handle Them With Care.

Always remember: Whenever your retainer is not in your mouth, it should be in its case for safety. Pets love to chew on them! Retainers are easier to lose than you think, and they're expensive to replace.  Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

Retainers are breakable, with proper care it will last for years.

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.