Once the active period of alignment is completed, the braces are removed and retainers are made to hold teeth in their new positions while the gums, bones, etc. settle into “their” new positions. As children continue to grow, their facial structure may also change. If so, a retainer can be worn to keep the teeth in alignment during this growth period. For adults, their facial structure also changes as they age and a retainer can be worn to keep the teeth aligned.

Retainer Instructions

• 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 lunchrooms or restaurants.)
• Clean retainers thoroughly once a day as instructed. 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 the retainers daily.
• 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.

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