Retainer Care Instructions
Why Retainers Are Important
After your braces are removed or you complete Invisalign treatment, your teeth need time to stabilize in their new positions. Retainers hold your teeth in place while the surrounding bone and tissue adjust.
Without proper retainer wear, your teeth can shift back toward their original positions—a process called relapse. Consistent retainer wear is the key to maintaining your beautiful results for life.
Wearing Your Retainer
Initial Period (First 2-6 Months)
Wear your retainer full-time (day and night), removing it only to eat, brush, and floss. This critical period allows your teeth to stabilize in their new positions.
Transition Period (6-12 Months)
After the initial period, you’ll transition to nighttime-only wear. Continue wearing your retainer every night while you sleep.
Long-Term (Indefinitely)
For best results, we recommend wearing your retainer at night indefinitely. Teeth naturally shift throughout life, and consistent retainer wear is the best insurance for maintaining your smile.
Important: Never go more than a few days without wearing your retainer, as teeth can shift quickly!
Cleaning Your Retainer
Daily Cleaning Routine
✓ Do This
- • Use cool or lukewarm water
- • Store in your retainer case when not wearing
- • Clean your retainer before bed
- • Brush and floss before putting retainer in
- • Keep your retainer case clean
✗ Don't Do This
- • Never use hot water (it can warp the plastic)
- • Don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach
- • Avoid toothpaste with whitening agents
- • Don’t wrap in napkins (easy to throw away!)
- • Never put in the dishwasher or microwave
Protecting Your Retainer
Proper Storage
- Always store your retainer in its case when not wearing it
- Keep your case in a safe, cool place
- Keep away from pets—they love to chew retainers!
- Avoid leaving in hot cars or direct sunlight
Proper Storage
- Always store your retainer in its case when not wearing it
- Keep your case in a safe, cool place
- Keep away from pets—they love to chew retainers!
- Avoid leaving in hot cars or direct sunlight