Instructions for Your Retainer

The retainer is a removable appliance carefully designed to maintain the teeth in their correct positions. It is important that it be worn according to instructions.

1. Follow closely the instructions you have been given on how to take your retainer in and out of your mouth.
2. Wear your retainer at all times (including mealtime and sleeping hours) unless you have been specifically instructed otherwise. Remove your retainer when brushing your teeth.
3. The plastic taste to your retainer will disappear soon, and in two or three days your speech will be completely normal with the appliance in place.
4. Your new retainers may make your teeth sore for a day or two. After any adjustment, you may also experience soreness. If you have a localized sore spot after three or four days, call the office so an adjustment can be made.
5. Clean your retainer by brushing it with toothpaste. Never soak your retainer in hot water! If you are wearing a lower fixed retainer, be extra careful to brush the wire and the inside of the lower teeth and to floss the teeth as instructed.
6. Always bring your retainer to each appointment.
7. Avoid flipping your retainer with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth and to your retainer.
8. Never wrap your retainer in a paper napkin or tissue and lay it on the table. Someone may throw it away! Do not put it in your pocket when playing or you may break or lose it. Keep your retainer out of the way of pets. Dogs seem to love them!
9. Additional charges will be made for lost or broken retainers.

Please follow these instructions carefully so that we can maintain those beautiful teeth and that great smile!