Retainer Instructions
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After we remove your braces at Gregg Orthodontics, your beautiful smile depends on your retainers...so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far! If you have removable retainers, make sure you wear them full-time (day and night), until the doctor instructs otherwise. Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in your case! Remember, Dr. Gregg always says..."If they're not in your face, put them in your case!" (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants).
- 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.
- Soaking your retainers in white vinegar can help remove some of the deep-down grime, and give them an extra shine
- 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.