Retainer Instructions

• Wear your retainer at all times, unless Dr. Bibby instructs otherwise.
• Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
• Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing.
• When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Pets love to chew on them!
• Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to it faster.
• Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call us immediately.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or you believe it needs adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.
• ALWAYS bring your retainer to your appointments.
• Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years!
• You may choose to remove your retainer when you go swimming in the lake.
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
• Dr.  Bibby will monitor your retainer phase for 6-12 months.  After that time, you will be given instructions how much to wear your retainer, but do not need to see us regularly anymore.  Free free to call us if you have any problems with your retainer, even after your retainer phase is complete.