Retainer Instructions

Removable Retainer

  • Wear your retainers every night.
  • If you feel that the wire is loose or a pad of glue has become detached, please contact our office to set up an appointment to repair your fixed retainer.
  • Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Brushing retainers removes plaque and eliminates odors.
  • Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
  • Retainers are fragile, 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.
  • With proper care, retainers should last for several years.
  • Remove retainers when swimming.
  • Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

Fixed Retainer

  • Fixed retainers are bonded directly to the inside of your teeth.
  • Daily use of floss, waterpiks, and/or proxy “christmas tree” brushes will dislodge food debris from accumulating around the wires. Floss threaders or super floss can be used to guide the floss below the wire if needed.
  • Thorough brushing around your retainer is necessary to keep plaque from accumulating around the wires.