(202) 686-5100
5301 Wisconsin Ave., NW #200
Washington, DC 20015
Retainer Instructions
- Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
- Do NOT take your retainers out when eating. Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants. Of course, we want you to brush your teeth and retainer after every meal but rinsing will do in a pinch. Simply take your retainer out of your mouth after eating and rinse it to release any trapped food.
- 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.
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