Retainer Instructions

 

 

    Retainer Instructions

      Congratulations on finally entering the stage

                    of orthodontic treatment we call retention!!

 

Your teeth must be retained (or held) in their new positions. Without wearing retainers as we have instructed you, your teeth can shift to their original positions. To avoid this possibility, please follow the instructions below:

1. Wear your retainers 24 hours a day except for eating, brushing your teeth, or while playing any active sports (this includes swimming). The retainers are typically worn 6 months full time and then at NIGHT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE (if you want to maintain your smile).

2. When retainers are not in your mouth, put them in the case we provide you with. Never wrap them in tissues, paper towels, or put them in your pocket. The retainers can fracture or distort and depending on the type of retainer can be expensive to replace.

3. Keep them away from pets and small children.  They are attracted to the smell and they will chew them. If at any time you have broken, lost, or bent your retainers or just would like a new pair please call the office during our regular business hours to schedule an appointment.

4. When brushing your teeth, brush the retainers with your toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use hot or boiling water while cleaning them. This will distort or shrink the retainers and they will no longer fit properly.

5. You can soak them once a week (or as often needed) in any type of denture cleaner. This will remove any buildup your mouth may leave on them. White vinegar may also be used (8oz warm water with a couple tablespoons of white vinegar).

6. You will notice extra saliva in your mouth for 2 or 3 days.  Your speech may also be affected but will also return to normal in 2 or 3 days as your tongue adjusts to it.  Reading out loud to yourself can help you adjust faster.

7. Please remove and replace retainers in your mouth as we have shown you with your fingers-never bite them into place as this can distort the wire or loosen them. Avoid flipping or playing with the retainers while they are in your mouth.  This will eventually distort or break them.

**If you are going to eat and you do not have your case with you, eat with your retainers in. Just cut everything into bite size pieces and chew carefully. If at any time you have questions or problems with the retainers, please call our office.

400 Greentree Rd
Sewell, NJ 08080
(856) 589-6886
Mon
8:00am to 5:00pm
Tue
8:00am to 5:00pm
Wed
8:00am to 5:00pm
Thu
8:00am to 5:00pm
Fri
8:00am to 2:00pm
776 Grove Rd
West Deptford, NJ 08086
(856) 848-2211
Mon
8:00am to 5:00pm
Tue
8:00am to 5:00pm
Wed
8:00am to 5:00pm
Thu
8:00am to 5:00pm
Fri
8:00am to 2:00pm
400 Greentree Rd
Sewell, NJ 08080
(856) 589-6886
Mon
8:00am to 4:00pm
Tue
12:00pm to 7:30pm
Wed
12:00pm to 7:30pm
Thu
8:00am to 4:00pm
776 Grove Rd
West Deptford, NJ 08086
(856) 848-2211
Mon
8:00am to 4:00pm
Tue
12:00pm to 7:30pm
Wed
12:00pm to 7:30pm
Thu
8:00am to 4:00pm