Retainers

Wearing retainers is as important as the active movement phase in determining the ultimate success of your treatment. Once the teeth have been moved into their desired position, a period of time is needed to stabilize them so that the surrounding bone and soft tissue can conform to your new dental alignment. Please follow the guidelines below when wearing retainers:

• Wear your retainers as prescribed by Dr. Fodero.
• If you take your retainers out to eat, put them in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.) You may eat with them in your mouth if you don’t have your retainer case or if you are afraid of throwing them away accidentally. Just be sure to rinse them off after you are done eating.
• Keep your retainers clean. In the morning and at bedtime, gently brush your teeth and your retainers with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Rinse with cool water only.
• Keep your retainers out of reach of your cat or dog. They make an excellent chew toy!
• Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used once a week to keep your retainers fresh, but should not be used in place of brushing them daily.
• When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
• Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
• Remove retainers when swimming.
• Do not put your retainers in the dishwasher or hot water or on any other hot surface.
• No chewing gum while wearing retainers!
• 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.
• Retainer replacement is expensive... with proper care they will last for years!
• ALWAYS bring your retainers to your appointments.

Failure to wear your retainers as directed, even for a short period of time, can cause changes that may require new retainers or even re-treatment! Wearing your retainers as prescribed is the best insurance plan for maintaining a beautiful smile!

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