You’ve Made It to the Finish Line
How to Care for Your Retainers
You’ve achieved your goal and now have the beautiful, healthy smile that you deserve. Thank you for choosing Hall Orthodontics to share in this exciting time in your life. However, your job isn’t quite over.
Retainer Instructions
Maintain your excellent new smile by following these retainer instructions from Dr. Hall.
An orthodontic retainer is a commitment, but it’s easy.
Follow these simple instructions to maintain your confident smile:
- Wear your retainer at all times, until Dr. Hall instructs otherwise.
- Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
- Clean the retainer 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 your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its 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 it faster.
- Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call us immediately.
- 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.
- Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years!
- Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
- An orthodontic retainer can warp and break easily. Keep your retainers away from hot water, hot cars, your pockets, the washing machine, dryers, and napkins. Treat them with care, and they’ll last.