Retainer Wear and Care
			The retainer should be worn at all times. Remove it only when eating and brushing your teeth. Your speech will return to normal after a few days of wearing the retainer. Don’t pop the retainer in and out with your tongue. Remove the upper retainer by pulling down by your molars. Remove the lower retainer by pulling up on the metal loops by your cuspids. Keep your retainer clean by brushing it with your toothbrush and toothpaste. Occasionally, soak it in denture cleaner using warm water. When it’s not in your mouth, keep your retainer in the case (not wrapped in a paper towel or in your pocket). If it gets thrown in the garbage, don’t try sterilizing it by boiling it! Clean it with antibacterial soap and rinse well. Keep your retainer away from pets. It makes a very expensive chew toy!! Don’t leave your retainer in the hot car, it will warp. Don’t ever stop wearing your retainer! Your teeth will shift. Bring your retainer to EVERY appointment. A fixed retainer will remain in your mouth permanently or until Dr. Johnston approves its removal. When brushing, be extra careful to clean the wire and the inside of your lower teeth. Remember to floss at least once a day with a floss threader between the retainer and gums. You use the floss threader in the same way you flossed with braces. If you notice one of the bonds has come loose, call the office immediately!