Instructions for Your Clear Retainer
Congratulations on reaching the end of your active orthodontic treatment at Clauss Orthodontics! Now that we have your teeth straight and your bite correct, it’s your job to keep them that way.
Retainers are maybe the most important part of your orthodontic treatment. If you don't wear them as instructed, your teeth will shift from their current position.
Cleaning & Caring for Your Retainer
- It's important to keep your retainers clean. The easiest way to keep retainers clean is to use a separate toothbrush, cool water, and liquid soap such as hand soap or dish soap. Unlike toothpaste, liquid soap does not contain abrasives and will not scratch the retainer material which can lead to a dull, cloudy appearance.
- When you remove your retainers in the morning, clean them thoroughly then place them in the case to dry.
- The safest place to store your retainers is in the case we have provided. Remember, In your face or in the case!
- Pets love retainers and they'll chew them if you leave them out of the case. We've even heard stories of pets opening the case to get at the retainers inside.
- Never use hot or boiling water on your retainers to attempt to sterilize them. This will warp them and they won't fit properly anymore. From time to time you can soak your retainers in a denture cleaner (like Efferdent) to keep them fresh and clean.
Wearing Your New Retainers
- For the first two years after your braces are removed, wear your retainers every night.
- After two years you can start to slowly decrease the number of nights you wear your retainers. However, we recommend wearing your retainers at least 2-3 nights a week for the rest of your life to keep your smile beautiful.
- If your retainers feel tight once you put them in, it means your teeth are trying to move. Don't let that stop you from wearing them. Simply wear your retainers a few extra hours before bed or some extra nights during the week until they feel comfortable again.
- Just like tires on a car, retainers will wear out over time. You can expect to replace them several times over the course of your life. If you lose or break your retainers (or they become severely worn), please contact us to have a new set made. Your first set of retainers is part of your treatment, however, there will be a fee for the fabrication of any future set(s).
- Remember, retainers are nighttime for your lifetime.