Orthodontic Retainers

We recommend wearing your retainer full-time until your doctor advises otherwise. Over time, you can gradually reduce wear, but remember, retention is a lifelong commitment!

Remove your retainer while eating and when cleaning it, and always store it in its case. Most retainer losses or breakages happen when the retainer is left out, typically at school or a restaurant. When your retainer isn’t in your mouth, it should always be in its case. Pets often chew on them! Our motto is, “If it’s not in your mouth, it’s in your case!”

Smiles for Life - Retainer Subscription Program

Removable clear retainers tend to get grimy and wear down with time. For this reason, we recommend replacement on a yearly basis. We also recommend having a backup set of retainers in the event of loss, damage, or travel. Because wearing retainers is an important and lifelong commitment, we have created a special program to make it extremely affordable and convenient for you to protect your wonderful smile and the orthodontic investment you have made indefinitely.

The Smiles for Life Retainer Program offers one set of clear removable retainers shipped directly to your home on a yearly basis. This program offers savings of nearly 40% annually compared to purchasing retainers at the regular price.

Please contact our office for more details about the program.

How to Care for Your Orthodontic Retainer

Clean your retainer thoroughly once a day by brushing it with a toothbrush and toothpaste using warm (not hot) water.

Brushing your retainer helps remove plaque, eliminate odors, and keep it sparkling clean. You can occasionally soak it in orthodontic appliance cleaners like Retainer Brite® or Efferdent®, but this should not replace regular brushing. Initially, you may find it hard to speak with your retainer in, but we recommend practicing speaking, singing, or reading aloud to adjust faster.

Retainers are fragile, so handle them with care. Do not attempt to adjust your retainer yourself. If you have any concerns or if it gets lost or damaged, please call us right away.

Always bring your retainer to your appointments. While retainer replacements can be costly, proper care will help them last for years! Keep them away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, washing machines, napkins, and pets.