Cedar Falls and Charles City, IA (Iowa), Orthodontist, Christopher M. Holahan, DDS, MS, Cedar Valley Orthodontics
HomeOur OfficeGame RoomContact Us

FAQs

About Orthodontics

Braces 101
types of braces
invisalign
types of appliances
brace painter
retainers

Emergency Care

Helpful Links

Before & After
Braces 101: retainers
Retainer Instructions
  • Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
  • Take your retainers out when eating... and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
  • Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors.
  • Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.
  • When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
  • Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
  • Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
  • Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
  • Retainer replacement is expensive... with proper care they will last for years!
  • Remove retainers when swimming.
  • Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.


Orthodontist Christopher M. Holahan, DDS, MS
Cedar Falls | 1704 West 1st Street, Suite C | Cedar Falls, IA 50613 | p. 319.277.7121 | f. 319.266.3778
Charles City | 703 North Main, Suite 2 | Charles City, IA 50616 | p. 641.228.4821 | f. 641.228.4822
home | our office | game room | contact us | faqs | about orthodontics | braces 101
emergency care | helpful links | before & after | site map
Orthodontic Web Site Design by Sesame Design™