Your Retainers

Caring for Your Retainers

Proper care for your retainers and consistent habits are crucial for the effectiveness of retainer use and your health. The following guidelines will maximize the benefits of using your retainers.

Wear Every Night

Wear your retainers every night while sleeping for the rest of your life. Your retainers should be cleaned every day. After brushing, place your retainers in every night. A good habit is to keep your retainers near your toothbrush.

Clean Properly

In the morning, take the retainers out and rinse them with cold or lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as this may damage the retainers. After rinsing, place the retainers in a cup with a denture cleaning tablet (we recommend Efferdent) and warm water. Allow the retainers to soak in the cleaning solution all day and evening. Rinse the cleaning solution off of your retainers before placing the retainers in your mouth at night.

Keep in Container

Never wrap your retainers in a paper towel or napkin, as they could get accidentally discarded. Store your retainers in a cup with denture cleaner or your retainer case.

Maintain Follow-Up Visits

Follow-up visits are very important to make sure your retainers are properly cared for and checked to see if they still fit or need adjustments. Bring your retainer to each appointment to make sure nothing is missed.

Keep in Carry-on

If traveling by plane, keep retainers in a carry-on bag.

Keep Pets Away

Keep your retainers away from dogs or other animals.

Don't Eat

Do not eat with your retainers in place.  Drink only water while wearing your retainers.

Wear for Life

If your retainers are not worn every night, your teeth will most likely shift and the retainers will no longer fit properly. You will need a new set of retainers to prevent further shifting of teeth, or braces again to straighten your teeth. If you stop wearing your retainers every night, your teeth may move and you may need braces again.

Replace if Lost

If your retainers break or get lost, please call us right away. You will need a replacement set.

Falmouth Office: 508.548.4011

Hyannis Office: 508.771.0550