Retainer Instructions
Congratulations on completing your orthodontic treatment!
Now comes the important part: keeping your teeth in their beautiful new position.
Teeth naturally like to drift back toward where they started, especially after braces or aligners are removed. It's also completely normal for teeth to move a little as we age, even for people who have never had orthodontic treatment. That's why retainers are such an important part of maintaining your smile.
For most people, retainers are a lifelong commitment to keeping their teeth straight and their smile looking its best.
Removable Retainer Instructions
What to expect
When you first start wearing your retainer, you may notice:
A slight plastic taste
Extra saliva
Don't worry, both of these are completely normal and usually disappear within a day or two.
Wear Time
Your retainer only works when it's in your mouth!
If you do not have fixed retainers, please:
Wear your retainer full-time for the first 3 months (unless eating, drinking anything other than water, or brushing).
After 3 months, wear it every night, indefinitely.
Regular wear is the best way to keep your teeth from shifting.
Cleaning
A clean retainer means a healthy mouth and a longer-lasting appliance.
After meals:
When cleaning your retainer:
Brush your teeth and your retainer.
Use cool (never hot) water and separate toothbrush with soap
Hold it gently in the palm of your hand while cleaning.
Soaking in Caldent® or Polident Retainer & Mouthguard® is a great way to keep your appliance clean.
Storage
When you are not wearing the bite splint, keep it in the plastic case or soaking.
Be especially careful to keep it away from pets who may want to chew it.
Broken or lost retainers
Please contact us as soon as possible if your retainer is:
Lost
Cracked
Broken
No longer fitting properly
With normal use:
Vivera® retainers typically last around 10-12 months.
Essix® retainers may last a little longer.
The lifespan of your retainer can be affected by teeth grinding or clenching while sleeping.
Replacement fees apply for lost, worn-out, or accidentally damaged retainers.
Bring it to your dental appointments
Please bring your retainers with you to:
Routine dental examinations
Hygiene appointments
This allows us to check that they are fitting correctly and doing their job.
Fixed Retainers:
A fixed (bonded) retainer is attached behind your teeth and can last for many years.
To keep it working well:
Brush carefully around the retainer every day.
Use floss or floss threaders to clean between the teeth.
Attend regular dental hygiene visits.
The bonding material that holds the retainer in place naturally wears over time and may require maintenance or repair. Ongoing maintenance costs are the responsibility of the patient.
Good oral hygiene helps prevent unnecessary repairs and keeps both your retainer and teeth healthy.
Important:
Your orthodontic treatment may be finished, but your retainer is what keeps your smile looking fantastic for years to come. Wear it, clean it, protect it, and bring it to your check-ups!
Please contact us if you have any questions
You’re in good company