Retainers are FOR-E-VER
Congratulations on finishing treatment! You seriously look so good. Now that you could pretty much be a world famous tooth model, we want to keep your bite and teeth as perfect as they are right now. To accomplish this, your retainer must be worn every night for the rest of your life (FOR-E-VER). Please don't forget. Dr. Swapp will seriously cry if you do.
To keep your retainer awesome, please follow these instructions:
When removing your retainer, be sure to apply equal pressure to both sides. Pulling on just one side can crack the retainer over time.
Do not expose it to extreme heat (i.e. leaving it in a hot car, putting in boiling water, or chewing on lava).
Clean your retainer every morning and night by brushing it with a toothbrush and water or mouthwash. Using toothpaste can scratch the retainer and make it look cloudy. Soak it in “retainer cleaner” as often as needed for any build-up that might appear (can be purchased from Amazon). You can also mix 1/2 water, 1/2 Hydrogen peroxide and soak retainers for 15 minutes.
Keep your retainer in the case provided when not your mouth. Do not wrap it in a napkin, or put it in your pocket. They are often thrown away or damaged.
Keep away from house pets (fish are ok). They love the smell and taste of the retainer after it’s been in your mouth (yum!). They will chew it to pieces, and can even chew through the case.
Bonded (permanent) retainers must be flossed like you did with your braces.
Please contact our office as soon as possible if your retainer(s) are lost, broken, or do not fit properly.