Retainer Instructions

Why is Retention the most important part of your journey?

Once your treatment is complete, your teeth will have the tendency to move to their original position. Spaces will re-open and teeth will re-crowd. To keep that gorgeous new smile you've worked so hard for, it is crucial that you wear your retainer to prevent your teeth from moving. That's because when your orthodontic treatment is over, the teeth will be somewhat loose. They need time to "firm up" in the bone until they become stable in their new position. 

It is absolutely necessary to wear the retainers as instructed by Dr. Restrepo in order to prevent shifting of the teeth. Wear your retainers as instructed:

24 hours a day/7days a week for the first 6 weeks, except when you are eating or drinking anything other than water, or when brushing your teeth. After that, it is critical to continue your retainer wear at nighttime for a lifetime!

Remember...

• Lisping and excess saliva are normal when first wearing your retainers, but you will adjust to your new retainers quickly.
• Keep your retainer check appointments; we will evaluate your retainers for the next year. Always bring your retainers to each appointment so we are able to monitor your wear and care of them.

Take care of your retainers

• Brush them daily and occasionally soak them in a denture cleaner.
• Never place them in hot or boiling water.
• If they are not in your mouth they must be in their case.
• Most common ways they are lost or damaged: wrapping them in a napkin at lunchtime in school, putting them in your pocket, leaving them where a pet can get to them (pers will chew them), and leaving them in a hot car. 

Call immediately if your retainer is lost or broken. Your teeth will move if the retainer is not worn. There is a charge for lost or broken retainers, or retainers that are not fitting properly due to lack of wear, so please be careful! Broken retainers can sometimes be repaired, so be sure to bring it with you to the appointment.