If your retainer is going to do the job, here are the things you must do:

Wear your retainer as instucted!

Lifetime: As an insurance policy it is recommended to wear your retainer at night indefinitely. Simply use your retainer as a template and try it in. If it feels tight, wear it for the night.

Remove your retainer from the back hook - not from the front.

Take care of your retainers: Clean with soap, water and Q-Tips. Efferdent® works fine, too. Don't brush the appliance with toothpaste; it dulls the brilliance. Keep them away from pets - they love to chew on them. Don't use hot water or place near hot surfaces; this can distort the shape of your retainer. You may remove your retainer while swimming in a lake or ocean.

No flipping: Avoid flipping the retainer with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth and retainer.

NEVER wrap the retainer in a napkin or tissue, as they may be thrown away. Always store the retainer in its case (not your pocket).

Speech: You may notice a difference in your speech at first. However, in 2 or 3 days, your speech will become normal. The plastic taste of the new appliance will soon disappear.

Return to your family dentist for an examination and cleaning.

Keep your appointments: You will have fewer office visits but checking your retainer is still very important. Always remember to bring your retainer to every appointment.

If you lose or break a retainer, please call us immediately. The teeth will move if the retainers are not worn as instructed. Additional charges will be made for lost or broken retainers, or a retainer that does not fit because of insufficient wear or negligence. If for any reason you cannot wear as instructed please call us.

DON'T FORGET TO SMILE!!!