Congratulations! You've gotten your braces off! The next phase of treatment is just as important so your new beautiful smile will last a lifetime! Be sure to follow the instructions provided by Dr. Goodman.
- It will take a few days to acclimate to talking with retainers. To get used to them quicker, practice reading, speaking and/or singing out loud.
- Wear your retainers full time, unless otherwise instructed.
- Retainers are very fragile so treat them with special care. Contact us immediately if you break or lose a retainer.
- Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your retainers.
- Do not try to adjust retainers yourself.
- Store your retainers in your case while eating. (Retainers are most often lost in restaurants or school lunchrooms.)
- Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to thoroughly clean your retainers once a day. Do NOT use hot water; only warm water. You can also use Efferdent® in addition to brushing them clean.
- Keep retainers from hot surfaces or temperatures like hot water, pockets and dashboards.
- Do not wear your retainers when swimming.
- Pets love to chew on retainers, so ALWAYS use your retainer case to store your retainer when they are not in your mouth.
- Be sure to bring your retainers to your appointments.
- It is expensive to replace retainers. They can last for years if you care for them properly.