Retainer & Expander Instructions

Retainer Instructions

• Wear your retainer at all times, until the orthodontist instructs otherwise.
• Always bring your retainer to your orthodontic appointments.
• Clean your retainer thoroughly every day with a toothbrush and toothpaste to plaque and odors. You can also use Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners as a supplement to brushing.
• You might find it difficult to speak while wearing your retainer at first. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to it.
• Take your retainer out when eating, and put it right back in its case so it odesn't get lost!
• When you take your retainer out of your mouth, you should ALWAYS put it in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
• Retainers are breakable, be very careful with them. If you break or lose your retainer, call us immediately.
• If you have any questions about your retainer, or if your retainer needs to be adjusted, give us a call. Do not try to adjust your retainer yourself.
• Keep your retainer away from heat: hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, and the washing machine, for example.
• Replacing your retainer is expensive. But with proper care, your retainer can last for years!
• Remove your retainer while swimming.

Removable Expander Instructions

You should wear your expander full time. This means all day long, including during meals, and while you're asleep.

Remove your expander only to clean it, which you should ideally do each time you brush your teeth.

Brush your expander at least 2 times a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste and warm tap water.

Fixed Expander Instructions

Turn your expansion screws as instructed by your orthodontist.

To do so, insert the key into the hole and turn toward the arrow.

If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment at our office, stop turning the expander until you are able to make it back in.