Retainers are just as important as orthodontic treatment. Dr. Renick can fix a patient’s bite, but it will be patient’s responsibility to maintain the correction with a retainer.

Retainers are worn full time for the first six months for stabilization. At that point, Dr. Renick will advise if the patient can reduce the number of hours the retainers are worn.

Retainers will sometimes need to be replaced much as shoes are with normal wear and tear, however, we will provide the following instructions to help a patient prevent loosing or breaking their retainers and to keep their teeth in place:

Wear your retainers as instructed. Certain situations may require more retainer wear than others, such as in the case of missing teeth.

Do not wear your retainer while playing sports to prevent breakage. Sports mouthguards are available that allow the patient to boil the material and adapt it to the teeth. These can serve as a “temporary” retainer during physical activity.

Do not leave your retainer anywhere hot and do not boil it. Most retainers have a type of plastic component that can warp with excessive heat, such as in a hot car or when boiled.

One of the most common stories we hear is that the dog ate the retainer!!!!! If the retainer is out of your mouth for any reason, it should be placed immediately in the retainer case and put up high away from animals. We often hear, “I didn’t know the dog could get up there!” If the dog eats the retainer as opposed to just chewing on it, it may require a visit to the vet.

Don’t eat with your retainer in. When you take the retainer out to eat, place it immediately in the retainer case. Another common story we hear is that the patient was eating somewhere and they wrapped it in a napkin and threw it away!

Take your retainer out with both hands and always place it back in your mouth with both hands. Do not try to bite it into place or lift one side out without the other or you may crack it.

Brush your retainer when you brush your teeth! Brushing with baking soda often leaves it feeling cleaner. You may use a denture cleaner once a month, but this may discolor the retainer.

If you have a lingual bonded retainer, it is extremely important to floss under the wire. Floss threaders are recommended to help fish the floss where it belongs. Without proper care of a lingual bonded retainer, plaque can build up and result in gum disease, bone loss or decay.

Our staff at Renick Orthodontics will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your retainers the day you receive them. If you would like more information about the care of your retainers, please call the office at 740-936-5003 and our staff will be happy to review it with you.

We are happy to provide orthodontic treatment in Sunbury and to our neighbors in the surrounding areas, including Westerville, Galena and Johnstown, Ohio. Call today to schedule your appointment!