Retainer Instructions - Christian Manley Orthodontics

Keep Your Smile Looking Great

Christian Manley Orthodontics wants our neighbors in Sammamish and Issaquah to have an easy time after they finish with braces or Invisalign. Following these retainer instructions will help protect the new smile you've worked so hard for.

Caring for Your Retainer

Here are some of Dr. Manley’s tips for taking care of your retainers.

If You Just Finished Phase 1 If You Just Finished Phase 2 Troubleshooting

If You Just Finished Phase 1

Wear your retainer full-time except when eating, drinking anything other than water, or brushing.
Typically, you’ll do that for 4-6 months before transitioning to nighttime wear.
Store your retainer in its case when not in use (pets love to chew them!).
Clean your retainer daily with a soft toothbrush and cool water—avoid hot water, which can warp it.
Bring your retainer to check-ups so we can make sure it’s fitting properly and doing its job!

If You Just Finished Phase 2

Wear your retainer full-time for the first 3-6 months, then switch to nighttime wear.
Keep wearing it indefinitely (your teeth can shift at any time!).
If you have a fixed/permanent retainer, floss under it daily and avoid hard foods that could loosen it.
Replace your retainer if it gets worn out or cracked—a damaged retainer won’t hold your teeth in place properly.
Skip the napkin! Never wrap your retainer in a napkin—it’s the easiest way to accidentally throw it away. Always store it in its case.

Troubleshooting

Keep On Smiling

If you’re almost done with treatment, Dr. Manley will likely recommend a retainer. To find out more about retainers, call us at (425) 392-7533 in Sammamish or Issaquah.