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Retainer Care & Maintenance
Everything you need to know about caring for your retainers at Ehrmantrout Orthodontics.
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How to Maintain Your Retainers
Rules for Retainer Wear
Wear Them Consistently
Wear them full-time (day and night), eventually transitioning to nighttime-only wear.
Take Them Out to Eat
Always remove your retainers before eating or drinking anything other than plain water.
Keep Them Safe
When your retainers are not in your mouth, they should ALWAYS be in their protective case.
Keep Them Away from Pets
Dogs and cats love the smell of the materials used to make retainers
Avoid Heat
Retainers are made of thermoplastic material that will warp or melt if exposed to high temperatures.
Cleaning Your Retainers
Keeping your retainers clean is vital for your oral health and the longevity of the appliance.
Brush Them Daily
Once a day, gently brush your retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of clear, antibacterial soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. Rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm (never hot) water.
Deep Cleaning
For a deeper clean, you can soak your retainers in a specialized retainer cleaning solution or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for 15-20 minutes once a week.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Never use bleach, alcohol, or boiling water to clean your retainers.
What to do if you lose your Retainer
Lost or Broken Retainers
Accidents happen! If you lose your retainer, or if it becomes cracked, warped, or no longer fits properly, please contact our Las Vegas office immediately. Do not try to adjust or repair a damaged retainer yourself.
Going too long without a fitting retainer can cause your teeth to shift, potentially requiring further orthodontic treatment to correct. We will schedule you for an appointment to have a replacement made as quickly as possible.
- Contact Us Immediately
- If retainer is broken or cracked do NOT wear
- Do NOT try to repair your retainer yourself
FAQ About Retainer Care
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
To ensure your hard work lasts a lifetime, wearing your retainer as prescribed by Dr. Ehrmantrout is absolutely essential. Initially, this usually means wearing them full-time (day and night), eventually transitioning to nighttime-only wear.
Can I eat with my retainer in?
No, always remove your retainers before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. This prevents damage to the appliance and helps maintain your oral hygiene.
How should I clean my retainer?
Once a day, gently brush your retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of clear, antibacterial soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. Rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm (never hot) water. For a deeper clean, you can soak your retainers in a specialized retainer cleaning solution or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for 15-20 minutes once a week.
What should I do if I lose or break my retainer?
If you lose your retainer, or if it becomes cracked, warped, or no longer fits properly, please contact our Las Vegas office immediately. Do not try to adjust or repair a damaged retainer yourself. Going too long without a fitting retainer can cause your teeth to shift, so we will schedule you for an appointment to have a replacement made as quickly as possible.
Still have questions?