RETAINER INSTRUCTIONS

 Until the doctor tells you differently, keep your retainer on at all times.
 When eating, pull your retainer out and always put it back in its case! (The majority of appliances
are misplaced in school cafeterias or restaurants.)
 Using a toothbrush and toothpaste, clean the retainer thoroughly once a day. Warm, but not hot,
water should be used. Plaque is removed and smells are eliminated by brushing retainers. Cleaning
your orthodontic appliances with Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners is an option,
but it is not a replacement for brushing.
 When your retainer isn't in your mouth, keep it in its case at all times. Chewing on them is a pet's
favorite pastime!
 It may be tough for you to speak at first. To get used to it faster, practise speaking, reading, or
singing out loud Retainers are fragile, so handle them with care. If your retainer is misplaced or
broken, please contact us right away.
 Call us if you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or if you think it needs to be
adjusted. Do not attempt to change it on your own.
 Always remember to bring your retainer with you to your appointments.
 Replacement retainers are costly, but with careful care, they can last several years!
 When you go swimming, take your retainer off.
 Maintain a safe distance from hot water, heated car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine,
and napkins when wearing retainers.
 Brushing them with toothpaste is acceptable, although toothpaste can dull or cloud the plastic.
 Do not use your front teeth to bite rough or sticky foods. Biting on tough or sticky objects can
bend or dislodge the wire from your teeth. Apples and carrots should be cut into small pieces and
chewed with your back teeth.
 When wearing retainers, never eat anything. It's fine to drink water while wearing the retainers,
but you should take them out if you drink anything else.
 If you neglect to wear your retainer, you can re-align your teeth by wearing it full-time for a few
days. During the re-alignment process, your teeth may be sore. Call our dental office in Miami, FL
if you can't get the retainer to stay in place or it doesn't fit.
Contact Esteem Braces and Aligners at (786) 744-1570 if you need any clarifications or have any queries
regarding retainers and book an appointment with our orthodontist in Miami, FL.