1. Retainers may be clear plastic “aligner” style or made of colorful acrylic with wire, depending on your particular retention needs. Your lower retainer might be a thin wire, bonded to the back of your lower front teeth for added stability. All in all, the best retainer, is the one you will wear!
  2. Initially, you will be instructed to wear your retainers 24/7. In time, Dr. Ries will tell you to wear your retainers just at bedtime. We believe in lifetime retention. As your body ages and sags…sorry about that…so will your teeth. If you wear retainers as directed, your teeth can stay straight!
  3. Be sure to keep retainers within a retainer case when they are not being worn. Protect your Orthodontic investment!
  4. Clean your retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and cool water. Do not use hot water as the extreme temperature can warp or melt your appliance. By cleaning your retainer, you eliminate odors and plaque. Your retainer may be soaked in a fizzy denture cleaning tablet or in mouthwash if you like.
  5. Initially, it can be difficult for your mouth to get used to having the retainer in. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to acclimate your mouth and appliance faster.
  6. Do not try to adjust your retainer yourself, please call the office and we will take a look at what needs to be done.
  7. Please bring your retainer to the office for your appointments. We like to check up on the appliance as well as how the appliance fits in your mouth every visit.
  8. Retainers can break! Please call us if you lost or broke your appliance.  Help us help you!