Here's the number one risk: Not wearing your retainers as directed by your orthodontist can undo years of orthodontia. Your teeth can shift back until you once again have the smile you weren't happy with. Don't gamble--wear your retainers!
Other possible risks:
- Never wear a cracked retainer. A piece could break off and lodge in your throat.
- Failing to clean your retainers and teeth can result in cavities and potentially serious gum irritation.
- Retainers are fragile. Put them in your case while you eat. Playing with retainers or popping them in and out of your mouth will weaken the wires until they break. Keeping retainers in your mouth or in their case is the best way to keep them safe.
- Retainers are often lost. They fall out of purses, backpacks and pockets. Countless retainers wrapped in napkins at restaurants have been accidentally thrown away.
- Retainers are sometimes . . .eaten?! Yes, that's right. If you have pets, be kind to them and to your bank account. Be sure retainers are far out of reach of dogs who might mistake them for a chew toy.
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