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Rules for Retainer Wear

wearing my retainer hurts

The most important rule to remember to reap the benefits of wearing your retainer is to always wear your retainers exactly as instructed; otherwise, your teeth could return to their previous position. Whether you are instructed to wear your appliance at all times, or only while you sleep, it is imperative that you follow your instructions precisely.

Brush your removable retainer twice a day, before or after brushing your teeth. This will remove all food particles and bacteria and keep it in good condition. Simply use a toothbrush, antibacterial soap, and cold water to clean both the molded piece of the retainer as well as the wire. Do not soak your retainer in Listerine, this can cause the materials to deteriorate.

When you are not wearing your appliance, be sure to always store it in the retainer case that we provide. If you have a dog, be sure to keep it out of their reach; dogs love retainers!

Do not try to adjust your retainer. If you feel that it is too tight or too loose, or something just doesn't feel quite right, call our office to schedule an appointment so we can check it out. Also, it is important that you bring your retainer with you to all of your retention appointments.

If your retainer breaks, you lose it, or you cannot wear it for some other reason, be sure to call our office right away. Retainers must be worn every day to be effective, and if yours is lost it will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Periods of time without your retainer can cause relapse, so to avoid regression and the expense of replacing your retainer, we recommend taking good care of yours!

Patients who have any questions regarding their retainer are encouraged to call our office at 225-292-6991!