Calgary Orthodontists are gearing up for a busy January – replacing lost retainers.  It’s true – more orthodontic retainers are lost over the Christmas Season than at any other time of year.  You’re probably thinking – why?  Well, it comes down to the fact that your retainer is spending too much time out of your mouth!  More meals with family and friends, and trips to Grandma and Grandpa’s, create lots of opportunities for a retainer to be wrapped up in a napkin and inadvertently thrown out or left at an airport café.  And if you’re enjoying some healthy Christmas snacks at school, or out with friends, the chance of it getting misplaced or broken increases.

Orthodontic Retainers can be fixed or removable – but both types of retainer are prone to loss or breakage when normal routines and eating habits change over the Christmas Holiday.  Believe it or not Orthodontists in Calgary often hear tales about Uncle Bob’s dog eating the retainer – animals love the smell and taste of saliva on retainers and will go to impressive lengths to get their canines on your appliance.  So that’s a heads up to remember that if your retainer isn’t in your mouth it should be safely in the appliance container that your orthodontist gave you.  Not in your mouth – in the container – and then in your pocket or purse so you know exactly where it is.  Don’t make the mistake of wrapping your retainer in a festive napkin thinking it will be safe – your overzealous Aunt who loves to clean house will have that napkin swept up and in the garbage before you can even say Dr. Cory Liss.

Dr. Cory Liss is a NW Calgary Orthodontist who tries to instill the importance of keeping your retainer in your mouth, or someplace safe.  Picture Christmas morning with a room strewn with wrapping paper and discarded boxes and ribbons – and you think you put your retainer down ‘somewhere’.  Not a great way to celebrate this fun day – so come up with a plan now to keep your retainer safe – and even if you have a permanent retainer you need to avoid the chance of damaging it by staying away from hard, crunchy treats.

Lost your retainer or think it’s broken – don’t delay in calling a Calgary Orthodontist – every day it’s out of your mouth tooth movement is occurring.  For all your orthodontic needs contact Cory Liss Orthodontics today 403.287.0746 and have a safe and happy holiday season.