Tips from your Orthodontist about Retainers

The alarm sounds in the morning, you hit snooze, then you finally wake up and realize you forgot to wear your retainer

If this only happened once, don't panic. Missing one night with a retainer is unlikely to cause significant teeth movement. However, if it has happened often, give our team a call to make sure your teeth haven’t shifted position.

Here are some tips from Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen to help you remember your retainer:

1. Write down the instructions we give you for wearing the retainer, whether you should wear it all day or at night, or just a few times a week. Writing things out like this helps set the schedule in your memory.
2. Clean the retainer when you take it out each time. If you don’t you may not have time when you’re rushing to get to work or school to clean it properly and may be tempted not to wear it.
3. Put a note on your mirror or in your purse or wallet reminding you to wear your retainer.
4. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you when it’s time to put the retainer in. If you have email with a calendar you can set up daily reminders, too.
5. Always put your retainer in its case when you take it out to eat or sleep. This will reduce the risk of losing it or accidentally throwing it away.
6. If you don’t have to wear the retainer every day, you can use some recurring events to help you remember. With this system for example, watching your favorite weekly TV show, laundry day, or family pizza night can all serve as reminders that you should put in your retainer.
7. Don’t be shy about asking for help if you’re forgetful. Assure everyone around you that you won’t consider it nagging if they remind you to wear your retainer.
8. Ask your friends if they have had any teeth shift when retainers were not properly worn. Those stories can serve as a timely warning not to let the same thing happen to you!

Remember, you can always call our team in Longview if you feel your retainer is uncomfortable or painful. We'll work with you to protect your smile!

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.