• Wear your retainer at all times until Dr. LaHaye instructs otherwise (typically a month after braces removal).
• Take your retainer out when eating and always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
• If you are given your retainer model, store it in a safe place like a medicine cabinet. Additional retainers can be made off your 3D printed model if/when needed.
• Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Once a week place it in hydrogen peroxide for 10-15 mintues followed by brushing with a toothbrush.
• When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Pets love to chew on them!
• Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to it faster.
• Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call us immediately.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or you believe it needs adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.
• Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
• Retainer replacements are necessary but with proper care they will last for years!
• Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins
• Remember, your retainer is like tires on a car and will need to eventually be replaced to work properly.