Retainer Instructions
Congratulations on completing the active phase of your orthodontic treatment! Wearing your retainer exactly as directed is the single most important thing you can do to protect your beautiful new smile for years to come. At Morgan Orthodontics, we recommend "nighttime for a lifetime" to keep your teeth in their perfect new positions. Please follow the guidelines below carefully, and remember that we're always here to help if you have any questions.
- You MUST wear your retainer 8–10 hours per day (typically overnight), or your teeth WILL MOVE! You have FREE unlimited retainer checks if you ever feel there's an issue.
- Wear your retainers every night until you are 22 years old (or for the next five years if you are an adult), then one night a week after that. Remember, you should always have a retainer!
- Clean your retainers with a toothbrush and toothpaste every night.
- Use Retainer Brite once a month, when you're sick, or whenever they need an extra deep cleaning. Retainer Brite can be purchased at any of our offices or online at Amazon.
- Do NOT boil your retainers or put them in the dishwasher, as high heat will warp and ruin them!
- Keep your retainers away from pets—animals love to chew on retainers!
- Please keep your 3D models in the provided Morgan Orthodontics green box. These models are used to create any future retainers you may need. Be sure to ASK ABOUT OUR RETAINER PROGRAM FOR UNLIMITED ADDITIONAL RETAINERS!
Remember: FACE OR CASE! Retainers belong either in your mouth or in their case—never wrapped in a paper towel, left on the counter, or set down anywhere else where they can be lost or damaged.
Consistent retainer wear protects the time and investment you've put into your smile. If your retainer ever feels loose, tight, cracked, or uncomfortable, or if you lose or damage it, don't wait—contact the office nearest you right away so we can help. To learn more about protecting your results, explore our full range of orthodontic treatments or reach out to our team anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a day should I wear my retainer?
You must wear your retainer 8 to 10 hours per day, which for most patients means overnight while you sleep. Consistent wear is essential—if you skip nights, your teeth will begin to shift back toward their original positions. Following this schedule closely protects the results you worked so hard to achieve throughout your orthodontic treatment.
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
We recommend wearing your retainer every night until you are 22 years old, or for the next five years if you're an adult, and then one night a week after that. The truth is, you should always have a retainer—teeth can shift throughout life, so continued nighttime wear is the best way to keep your smile looking its best.
How do I clean my retainer?
Clean your retainer nightly with a toothbrush and toothpaste. About once a month—or when you're sick or it needs an extra deep clean—use Retainer Brite, available at any of our offices or online. Never boil your retainer or place it in the dishwasher, as high heat will permanently warp the material and ruin the fit.
What should I do if I lose or damage my retainer?
If you lose or damage your retainer, contact the office nearest you as soon as possible so we can create a replacement before your teeth shift. Because we keep your 3D models on file in your green box, we can make new retainers when needed. Be sure to ask about our retainer program for unlimited additional retainers!
Why is the "face or case" rule so important?
The "face or case" rule keeps your retainer safe: it should always be either in your mouth or in its protective case—never wrapped in a paper towel, left on a counter, or set down loose. Most lost or damaged retainers are misplaced this way. Following this simple habit prevents costly replacements and keeps your smile protected.
What is the Morgan Orthodontics retainer program?
Our retainer program allows you to receive unlimited additional retainers, making replacements simple and affordable if yours is ever lost, damaged, or worn out. Because we keep your 3D models stored in your green box, we can easily produce new retainers as needed. Ask our team for details on enrolling and protecting your smile for the long term.