Retainer Instructions
Types of Braces | Types of Appliances | Palatal Expander | Retainer Instructions
- Wear your retainers every night forever, unless Dr. Phucas 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 antibacterial soap. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.
- Do not use hot water or boiling water to disinfect your braces as they will melt or distort. A little wear and tear or hairline cracks in retainers are normal. If your retainer breaks in half, please try and wear both pieces until getting a new retainer. We recommend using Retainer Brite instead of Efferent.
- 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.