Help! Help! My Dog Ate My Retainer!!
This happens more than you’d think. The working theory is that dogs are attracted by the smell of the materials from which retainers are made, as well as saliva. With their powerful jaws, dogs can render retainers useless in no time. Retainers can also meet an unfortunate demise when they are sat upon, stepped on, fall out of a purse or pocket, or are accidentally thrown away with a lunch tray or in a napkin. The game of “dumpster diving for retainers” is no one’s idea of fun.
Replacing lost or damaged retainers carries a cost. But they should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent any unwanted movement of the teeth.
Be Careful with Retainers
There are two places for removable retainers: in the mouth or in their case. When taken out of the mouth, retainers should be placed in their case. When taken out of their case, the retainers should be placed in the mouth.
DO NOT wrap retainers in a napkin – they can easily be thrown away with the trash. Do not place retainers in your pocket unless they are in their protective case. Without the case, retainers that are loose in your pocket can be broken.
Contact us as soon as possible if your retainer is lost or broken, if it is not fitting properly, or if eaten by your dog. Remember – YOU need to wear your retainers, not your dog.
