Retainer Instructions

A retainer is a crucial part of your child's orthodontic treatment journey. It helps maintain the beautiful smile achieved through braces or other orthodontic appliances by keeping teeth in their newly aligned positions.

By ensuring that the teeth stay properly aligned, a retainer plays a vital role in preserving your child's oral health and investment in their dental care.

  • Wear your retainer at all times until instructed otherwise.

  • Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in the case! When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case.

    • Most retainers are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.

    • Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

  • Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Retainer Brite® can be used but does not take the place of brushing.

  • ALWAYS bring your retainer to your appointments. Appointments after braces are removed are called “retainer check” appointments. We are unable to check and clean your retainer if you do not bring it to appointments.

  • If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or you believe it needs adjusted, please call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.

  • Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call us immediately.

  • Replacement retainers are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years.