Retainers

A Retainer is an appliance that is worn after your braces are removed.  The retainer attaches to your upper and/or lower teeth to hold them in place. Some retainers are removable, while others are bonded to the tongue-side of several teeth.

Tips for caring for your Retainer:

  • Wear your retainers full time unless Dr. Summer tells you otherwise.
  • Take your retainers out when eating… and always put retainers in their case! (Lunch rooms or restaurants is where most retainers are lost.)
  • 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.
  • Initially, you may find speaking is a little difficult. Dr. Summer recommends speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
  • Retainers are breakable, so handle 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 - they will sink!
  • Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.