Orthodontic Retainers
After your treatment with braces is complete, you will need to wear retainers. Keep in mind your teeth have migrated from one position to a new space and without the retainer to hold them in position, they will begin to shift out of place. It is important to wear your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist in order to maximize the effect of having your teeth straightened and maintain your new smile.
Instructions for Wearing Retainers
- 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 lunch rooms 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. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing.
- 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 longer.
- Remove retainers when swimming.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
Be sure to contact Schatz Orthodontics if you have questions about your retainers or braces.
