Our patients begin the retention period of their orthodontic care when braces are removed. This phase is both exciting andextremely important. A period of time is needed to stabilize the entire mouth once the teeth have been moved into their desired position. The soft tissues, surrounding bone, the tongue and lips must adapt to the new dental alignment. Up to this point it has been a team effort, but now the retention phase is up to YOU.

  • Wear your retainers full time, until Dr. Inocencio instructs otherwise.
  • Take your retainers out when eating and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
  • Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and water. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors. Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but these do not take the place of brushing.
  • When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
  • Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing aloud to get used to them faster. 
  • You will notice extra saliva in your mouth for two to three days. Once your mouth has adjusted to the retainers, the saliva will return to normal. Your speech will also be completely normal in two or three days. Reading out loud to yourself can help you adjust faster.
  • Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately (226-973-2498)
  • If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
  • Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
  • Retainer replacement is expensive with proper care they will last for years! Lost or broken retainers incur extra cost.
  • Remove retainers when swimming, skiing, or playing contact sports.
  • You will notice extra saliva in your mouth for two to three days. Once your mouth has adjusted to the retainers, the saliva will return to normal. Your speech will also be completely normal in two or three days. Reading out loud to yourself can help you adjust faster