Wear your retainers full time, unless the doctor instructs otherwise.

Take your retainers out when eating… and always put retainers in their case (never in a pocket or on a cafeteria tray)! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants, especially when wrapped in a napkin.)

Do not wear your retainers when chewing gum.

Do not wear your retainers when participating in vigorous activities such as sports, swimming, amusement park rides or anything else that could cause them to fall out or be knocked of your mouth.

Avoid putting your retainers in bookbags or pockets, especially if they are not in their case.

Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Retainer Brite (available locally at Drug Mart) or other cleaners specifically intended for orthodontic appliance can be used, but this does not take the place of brushing.

When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a their case. Pets love to chew on retainers, and they will do so if you leave them where animals can get to them!

Initially, you may find experience some difficulty in speaking clearly, or your mouth may feel “juicy” or strange when you swallow. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster. After the first few days, wearing your retainers will get to feel more natural.

Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately… before your teeth have a chance to shift!

If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us (440-708-0993 or 440-257-0707). Do not try to adjust them yourself.

Always bring all of your retainers to your appointments.

Retainer replacement is expensive… with proper care they can last for years!

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