After removing braces, you’ll need to wear a retainer so your teeth become stable in their new positions.  Wearing retainers is a crucial part of your orthodontic treatment.  Neglect to wear your retainers will allow your teeth to shift.  Dr. Chang will determine exactly how often you need to wear your retainer and the total length of time you’ll need to wear them.

 

– Wear your retainers as instructed.

Take your retainers out when eating, and always put them in their case! Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.

– Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and liquid soap. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers remove plaque and eliminate odors. Other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but these do not replace brushing.

– Initially, you may find it difficult to speak.  Practice speaking, reading, or singing aloud to get used to them faster.

– Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care.

– If retainers are lost or broken, please call us immediately.

– If your retainers need adjusting, call us.  Do not try to adjust them yourself.

– Always bring your retainers to your appointments.

– Remove retainers when swimming.

– Keep retainers away from hot water, car dashboards, pockets, washing machines, and napkins.