How to Care for your retainers

It is super important to wear your retainers after your orthodontic treatment! Teeth will want to move back to their original position, especially the first year or two. Here are important points to keep in mind:

If you lost your retainers, you should replace them as soon as possible! Teeth will move as quickly as a few days!
Wear your retainers ideally throughout the day and time time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Don’t skip any nights!
Take your retainers out when you eat and put them in your case.
Do not wrap retainers in a paper towel. You will throw them away!
Keep retainers away from dogs, cats, and any pets. They like your scent and will destroy them.
Clean the retainer thoroughly every night with a toothbrush, warm (not hot) water, and toothpaste. Brushing the retainers will help remove the plaque and minimize the smell. Orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used weekly to help with the odor and cleanliness.
You may lisp and have a hard time talking at first with your retainer. You will get used to them in a few weeks with practice.
Retainers CAN break if you put them in your back pocket without a case.
In the first year, it is important to have your retainers adjusted every few months. If more adjustment is needed, give us a call. You do not want to adjust them yourself, otherwise your teeth might move in an unfavorable direction.
Always bring your retainer to your retainer check appointments.
Your retainers will last you for years with proper care.

201 N. College Dr. STE 102
Santa Maria, CA 93454
805-623-8489