Wearing a retainer is an essential part of maintaining your beautiful new smile. At Smileworks Orthodontics, we’re here to make life with a retainer simple, comfortable, and stress-free. Follow these helpful tips from Dr. Hussaini to get the most out of your post-treatment care:
DO wear your retainer as instructed – Only remove it to eat, brush, floss, or swim. Consistency is key to keeping your smile aligned!
DO practice speaking out loud – Retainers may affect speech at first. Reading aloud or singing can help you adjust faster.
DO clean your retainer daily – Use a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste with lukewarm (never hot) water. Optional: Soak in retainer cleaner like Efferdent, but still brush it afterward to remove buildup.
DO use your case—always – When not wearing your retainer, store it in its case. Never wrap it in a napkin—it’s the #1-way retainers get tossed at school or restaurants.
DO call us if it’s lost or damaged – Retainers are custom-made and can be pricey to replace, so treat yours with care. If anything happens, contact our team right away.
DON’T try to adjust it yourself – If your retainer feels off or uncomfortable, let us take a look. Trying to fix it on your own could cause damage or delay your progress.
DON’T store it in your pocket – Retainers + laundry = disaster. Keep it safe in your case!
DON’T expose it to heat – Avoid hot water, dishwashers, and car dashboards. Excessive heat can warp your retainer and render it unusable.
Have Questions? We’re here to help! – Call Smileworks Orthodontics at (703) 383-0090 with any questions or concerns about your retainer. Let’s keep that smile shining bright for life!
