Retainer Instructions

We want to make sure you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment. Below you will find instructions for care and use of removable retainers, clear retainers, and Vivera retainers. If you still have questions, feel free to call our office.

Instructions for Removable Retainers

• Wear your retainers 24 hours a day. Missing time with your retainers may allow your teeth to move.
• You should take your retainers out when you eat, brush your teeth and play sports. Always keep your retainers in the case when you are not wearing them. Keep your name and phone number on the case. (You may eat with your retainers in your mouth if you do not have a safe place to put them.)
• Do not chew gum while wearing your retainers.
• Brush your retainers every time you brush your teeth. Clean your retainers daily in denture cleaner or Fresh Guard. A 5-10 minute soak product is best. Use luke warm, not hot water. Heat may distort your retainers.
• Never wrap your retainers in a napkin or leave them on a lunch tray. It is easy to forget and throw them away. Retainer replacements are EXPENSIVE and new impressions will need to be taken.
• Keep your retainers away from dogs and cats. They like to chew them.
• Do not leave them in your pockets. They will melt in the clothes dryer.
• Do not wear them skiing, boating or swimming. They can get lost in the water.
• Call Dr. Himelhoch’s office if you are having any trouble with how your retainer fits in your mouth. They are often very easy to adjust.
• Call immediately if you lose or break your retainers. Too much time without retainers will allow your teeth to move.

Instructions for Clear Retainers

• Wear your retainer(s) as instructed. Remove them only to eat and brush your teeth. Missing time with your retainer(s) may allow your teeth to move.
• Always keep your retainers in the case when you are not wearing them. Keep your name and phone number on the case.
• Brush your retainers every time you brush your teeth. Clean your retainers daily with Fresh Guard. A 5 minute soak product is best. Use luke warm water, not hot. Heat may distort your retainers.
• Keep your retainers away from dogs and cats. They like to chew them.
• Do not leave them in your pockets. They will melt in the clothes dryer.
• Call Dr. Himelhoch’s office if you are having any trouble with how your retainer fits in your mouth.
• Call immediately if you lose or break your retainers. Too much time without retainers will allow your teeth to move.
• Do not leave them in the car nor wash them in hot water. The heat will distort them.

Instructions for Vivera Retainers

• Wear your retainer(s) for 21-22 hours per day for three months. Remove them only to eat and brush your teeth. Missing time with your retainer(s) may allow your teeth to move.
• Always keep your retainers in the case when you are not wearing them. Keep your name and phone number on the case.
• Clean your retainers prior to each insertion. You may soak your retainers in Fresh Guard for 5 minutes daily. Use luke warm or cold water, not hot. Heat may distort your retainers. Do not use denture cleaner or soak your retainers in mouthwash as these products can damage the surface of the retainer causing it to become dull and more visible.
• Keep your retainers away from dogs and cats. They like to chew them.
• Do not leave them in your pockets. They will melt in the clothes dryer.
• Call Dr. Himelhoch’s office if you are having any trouble with how your retainer fits in your mouth.
• Call immediately if you lose or break your retainers. Too much time without retainers will allow your teeth to move.
• Do not leave them in the car nor wash them in hot water. The heat will distort them.

How to Floss and Brush with a Bonded Retainer