In our office we consider "retainers are forever" a Golden rule. Just as we have changes in our appearance with age, such as hair color, skin and muscle tone, and physical and functional ability, the teeth will change position over time. Depending upon how blessed we are by our genetics will have an influence upon the degree of change that will occur. Retainers are an insurance policy to protect the results as much as is humanly possible.
The following guidelines are used in our office concerning retainers:

• After appliance removal retainers are worn full time, except eating and brushing for 6 months.
• At 6 months the retainer will be placed in the mouth after dinner and worn all night until the next morning
• At 12 months, if the occlusion is good, the retainer is to be worn at night only
• After the wisdom teeth are removed and or growth is terminated, the retainers will be worn two nights a week for 6 months i.e. Monday and Thursday nights
• Each evening thereafter the retainer is to be placed in the mouth and if it feels tight for more than a minute or two it is to be worn that night. Some patients may need to wear the retainer(s) one or two nights a week, others one or two nights a month.
• If a retainer is lost there is no charge for the first replacement. We have a replacement cost charge for any future retainers needed. Remember retainers are an insurance policy for all the hard work you have done during your orthodontic therapy.

Retainer Instructions

• Wear your retainer's 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 and toothpaste. 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.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
• 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.
• Floss the lower fixed retainer daily as instructed and carefully check to make sure the appliance is securely bonded to your teeth.