• Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.

• Take your retainers out when eating… and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)

• Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste or mouthrinse. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.

• When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!

• Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.

• Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.

• Always bring your retainers to your appointments.

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

• Remove retainers when swimming.

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