How to Wear Your Retainer

• Wear your retainer at all times, unless the doctors at The Smile Makers advise otherwise.

• Remove your retainer when eating, and always place it in its case to avoid loss or damage. Most retainers are lost in school lunchrooms, restaurants, or accidentally thrown away with napkins!

• Take your retainer out when swimming or playing contact sports to keep it safe.

How to Clean Your Retainer

• Clean your retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Use warm (not hot) water to avoid warping the appliance.

• Brushing your retainer removes plaque buildup and helps eliminate odors.

• You can also use Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners for extra freshness, but these do not replace daily brushing.

• Never place your retainer in boiling water, put it in the dishwasher, or leave it in direct sunlight, as heat can damage it.

Important Retainer Care Tips

• Always store your retainer in its case when it’s not in your mouth. Pets, especially dogs, love to chew on retainers!

• Retainers are delicate and can break, so handle them with care.

• If your retainer is lost, broken, or doesn’t feel right, call The Smile Makers at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics immediately. Do not attempt to adjust it yourself.

• Always bring your retainer to your orthodontic appointments so we can check its fit and condition.

• Avoid placing your retainer in pockets, on car dashboards, or wrapping it in napkins, as it can easily be damaged or forgotten.

Speaking with Your Retainer

It’s common to feel a little awkward speaking when you first start wearing your retainer. Don’t worry! This will pass. We recommend practicing reading aloud, singing, or speaking to help your tongue and mouth adjust quickly.

Why Proper Retainer Care Matters

• A retainer protects your investment in your smile by keeping your teeth in alignment.

• Replacing a retainer can be expensive, but with proper care, your retainer will last for many years.

• Caring for your retainer is simple and helps ensure that your smile stays beautiful and healthy for a lifetime.

Have Questions About Your Retainer?

If you ever have questions or concerns about your retainer, its fit, or care instructions, contact The Smile Makers at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics. Our team is always here to help you protect your smile and make sure your orthodontic results last.

For expert orthodontic care and retainer support in Morehead City, Havelock or Jacksonville, NC, schedule an appointment with The Smile Makers today!

We proudly provide comprehensive orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults in Morehead City, Havelock and Jacksonville, NC, with personalized guidance for every step of your smile journey — including keeping your smile perfect with proper retainer use.

Contact us today to learn more or book your appointment!

All of our doctors have achieved Board Certification with the American Board of Orthodontics. Being Board Certified means our doctors have demonstrated the ability to diagnose and treat the most challenging orthodontic problems, and achieve beautiful and functional results! This certification is attained by only a fraction of orthodontists in the country, and we are the only Board Certified Orthodontists in the area. Choose to be treated by the best!