Orthodontic Retainers

When you’re finished with orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer to keep the results in place. There are several different styles of retainers, but each is used to “retain” the treatment benefits and to prevent teeth from shifting out of alignment. Whatever retainer treatment your orthodontist recommends, be sure to follow the instructions properly to protect the investment you've made in your smile with orthodontic treatment!

How To Care For Your Orthodontic Retainer

Since most retainers are in and out of patient’s mouths regularly, it’s essential they are regularly cared for properly. Take your retainer out to eat and to clean it, and always put it back in its case. Most of the time when an appliance or retainer is lost or broken, it was out of the case and while at school or at a restaurant. When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should always be in its case.

To clean the retainer, brush it thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste, using warm but not hot water. Brushing your retainer removes the plaque, eliminates odors and keeps it sparkling clean. Orthodontic appliance cleaners such as Retainer Brite® or Efferdent® can be used to occasionally soak your appliance, but do not take the place of brushing.
Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. Do not try to adjust your appliance or retainer on your own. Call us right away if you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, if you believe it needs to be adjusted or if it gets lost or broken.

Always bring your retainer to your appointments. Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years! Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, napkins and pets.