Retainer Instructions

Your retainer is what protects your new smile.

Teeth naturally shift over time, and consistent retainer wear is essential to maintaining your results.

How Long Do I Wear My Retainer?

After braces or aligner treatment, retainers are typically worn full time as directed during the initial stabilization period.

Once your teeth are stable, wear transitions to nighttime only.

Nighttime retainer wear should continue indefinitely. This is the best way to preserve your smile long term.

How to Care for Your Retainer

• Remove your retainer before eating
• Always store it in its case when not in your mouth
• Clean it daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste using lukewarm water
• Avoid hot water, which can distort the material
• Bring your retainer to all scheduled appointments

Appliance cleaning tablets may be used occasionally, but they do not replace daily brushing.

Important Reminders

Retainers are durable but not indestructible. Keep them:

• Away from pets
• Out of napkins or pockets
• Out of hot cars or near heat

If your retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fits properly, contact the office as soon as possible. The sooner it is replaced, the less likely teeth are to shift.

Replacement retainers can be made quickly to protect your results.