Congratulations on getting your braces off! Seeing your new smile is exciting and you should feel proud of your accomplishment. It is important to understand that you must protect your hard work and investment. Teeth tend to shift naturally as you age unless they are properly maintained with wearing orthodontic retainers. Dr. Rucker will select the best type of retainers for you and give instructions on proper wear so that your new smile will last a lifetime.

1. Wear your retainers full-time, day and night, until Dr. Rucker instructs otherwise.
2. Rinse your retainers with water before storing in a case. Brush your retainers at least twice daily with a toothbrush and warm water, morning and night, and brush your teeth.
3. NEVER put your retainers in hot or boiling water.
4. When retainers are not in your mouth, they should always be in a retainer case.
5. Retainers are most commonly thrown away by mistake during lunch or eaten by pets.
6. Never try to adjust your retainers yourself as this will likely cause permanent damage.
7. With proper wear and maintenance, your retainers should last years.
8. Always remember to bring your retainers to your appointments

*Do NOT boil – Do NOT use hot water – Do NOT place in dishwasher

Keep your retainers clean and odor free by soaking for 20-30 minutes in the solution of your choice. Any of these methods effectively kills odor causing germs and helps keep your retainers clean and smelling fresh.

1. Vinegar + Water: 3 parts vinegar to 1 part warm water.
2. Baking Soda + Water: 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 cup warm water.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide + Water: 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to 1/2 cup warm water.
4. Retainer Brite: retainer cleaning tablet.