Once your braces are removed you will be given retainers. The retainers worn during the retention stage of treatment allow you to maintain your new smile. Dr. Ballou will review important information with you when you are given the retainers, but the following are some helpful tips:

  • Wear your retainers as instructed.
  • Take your retainers out when eating and drinking.
  • When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case (most retainers are lost in school lunchrooms, restaurants, trash cans and when pets chew on them)
  • Clean retainers at least once a day with a toothbrush, toothpaste (soap or other orthodontic appliance cleaner) and warm water; brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors.
  • Your retainers should be removed when participating in sports that require a mouthguard or while swimming.
  • Keep retainers away from anything hot (i.e. hot water, hot car dashboards) as this can permanently damage your retainers.
  • Always bring your retainers to each appointment.
  • If your retainers are not fitting properly, are lost or broken then call our office immediately.
  • Retainer replacement is expensive, so remember to take good care of them!

If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers feel free to call us.