Retainer Information

Keep That Smile Forever

At the end of your "active" orthodontic treatment, you will be provided with two sets of retainers. Clear retainers prevent shifting of your teeth better because each tooth is held tightly by the plastic; however the regular retainers are more durable and do not need to be removed for eating and brushing.

Wear your retainers 24 hours a day until the doctor instructs otherwise
Clear retainers need to be removed while eating and brushing
When retainers are not in your mouth, they should ALWAYS be in their case
Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking slowly and you will get used to them faster
To clean regular retainers – brush once a day with toothbrush and toothpaste using warm (never hot) water. This will remove plaque and eliminate odor.
To clean clear retainers – NEVER use a toothbrush. Soak them in equal parts white vinegar and room temperature water – soak for 15 minutes two to three times a day. We also recommend "Retainer Brite" cleaning tablets, which can be used in place of the vinegar and water soak. They can be ordered on their website at www.smileshop.com or call 1-800-866-6884.
Keep your retainers away from microwaves, hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets (without being in a case) or washing machines. Do not wrap in a napkin or leave them out where a pet may get them (pets love to chew them!).
REMEMBER any bonding or fillings will change the way a retainer fits and may require a new retainer being made – so please call our office if you are scheduling to have this work done by your dentist.
ALWAYS bring your retainers to your appointments.

*If your retainers are lost, new retainers should be made as quickly as possible. As new retainers are made from new impressions of your teeth, the replacement fee is due when the impression is taken.

Clear vs Wire Retainers...

Clear – You will never experience tooth movement or any shifting of your teeth if worn as recommended. If you are a clencher or tooth grinder it is possible to wear through the plastic.

Wire – These retainers can be adjusted by the doctor to accomplish correctional tooth movement when needed.