Retainers

Whichever treatment option you choose, whether it is Invisalign, LightForce, or metal braces, at the end of your treatment you will receive retainers. Depending on whether you have fixed or removable retainers, here are a set of care tips that are important to follow:

Wear your retainer at all times, until the doctor instructs otherwise. To maintain the stability and position of your teeth, it is imperative that you wear your retainer as instructed, because your teeth will shift and revert back to their former position.
If you have a removable retainer, take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and mild soap. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odours. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing.
When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Be careful, 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 it faster.
Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, please call our office immediately.
If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or it does not feel comfortable and needs adjusting, please call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.
Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care, they will last for years!
Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
Keep retainers away from hot water, heat from car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
If your retainer used to fit, and it is no longer fitting the same way, please call our office.