Woodbridge, VA (Virginia) Orthodontist Patrick D. Hart, DDS, MS
site map contact us home
patient login
meet dr. hart
for new patients
orthodontics 101
all about braces
retainers
emergencies
comment form
refer a friend
the game room
   
  • Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor 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 soft bristle toothbrush or fingernail brush. Use warm, but not hot, water and softsoap or regular handsoap. Do not use toothpaste as it will scratch the plastic over time.
  • 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 out loud to get used to them faster.
  • Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
  • 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!
  • Remove retainers when swimming.
  • Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.