Why You Need To Wear It

A removable retainer holds your teeth in their correct positions after they have been straightened. Wearing it allows ligament and bone to tighten around the roots of your teeth so that they don't return to their previous positions.

Please read this entire sheet. Your retainer is a delicate appliance that can easily be bent, broken or lost, and may result in tooth movement if not replaced in a timely manner.

When To Wear It

• Following comprehensive treatment or Phase II treatment, wear your retainer 24 hours each day for six months. Take it out to eat or brush your teeth.
  
• Following Phase I treatment, wear your retainer as directed.

NOTE: Your retainer may interfere with your speech initially, but you will adapt to it quickly. Practice by reading aloud, which will help train your tongue to the appliance.

How To Take It In and Out

• Remove the retainer with both hands by placing your fingernails on the wire, near the molars, and GENTLY pulling downward. Place it back in with both hands and press it GENTLY up into place with your thumbs on the plastic. Taking it in and out in any other way could break the plastic portion or bend the wire.
  
• Most retainers are lost when they are hidden in napkins and pockets.
  
• Retainers can distort if left in hot, sunny places such as car dashboards.
  
• ALWAYS place it in the retainer case that we give you and keep both away from pets and small children.

****** Dogs like to chew retainers and their cases! ******

Cleaning Your Retainer

• To keep your retainer fresh smelling and clean, brush it with toothbrush and toothpaste after brushing your teeth, then rinse in cool water. (You may occasionally want to use a splash of mouthwash to freshen it.)
  
• If a hard, white substance (calculus) forms on your retainer, soak it in one cup of vinegar for 4 to 8 hours, or use a denture cleaner, then brush and rinse as usual before putting it back into your mouth.
  
• Use nothing else to clean your retainer. Do not immerse it in hot water — heat causes distortion of the plastic and the retainer may no longer fit.

Bent, Broken, or Lost Retainers

• If your retainer does not fit comfortably or if it has been bent, broken, destroyed or lost, phone us for an appointment.
  
• The cost of your first retainer was covered in the treatment fee, but replacement retainers are $175, or less if they can be repaired. Therefore, if you damage it in some way, bring the pieces with you to your appointment.
  
• REMEMBER that if the retainer isn't in your mouth, holding your teeth in position, they can begin to move. So don't delay in phoning — call us immediately, or the next business day. Whether you require a replacement or a repair, we will usually need to schedule two appointments, a few days apart, to allow the lab enough time for fabrication.

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