Try to remember the events that followed your last memory of having it with you. If you last took it out to eat chips and have a soda, think about what you did next. Did you go put your dishes in the sink? Perhaps you brought your retainer with you to the kitchen. Did you run to the restroom? Perhaps you took it there. Or perhaps you put it under your napkin while you were eating, and folded the napkin and then inadvertently disposed of the whole thing. In that case, it may be in the trash.
If you feel yourself start to panic, take a few deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Sit down and close your eyes for a few minutes before resuming your search.
Take a systematic approach to your search; you are more likely to be successful if you treat each room or location like a crime scene and carefully analyze it, rather than if you start throwing other items around and digging through things in a panic. [3] X Research source When you enter a room to search, begin on one wall or section of the room, and then work in a circle until you’ve searched the entire room. Remember to search in levels, including ground level (looking under furniture and on the ground), in drawers and on desks and tables, and on top of higher furniture and shelves.
Let people know where you saw it last and see if they happened to see it. Some people are unfamiliar with retainers and may not realize it is not trash. For example, if you lost it in a restaurant or cafeteria, be sure to tell those working there that you’ve misplaced it; they may have tossed it in the garbage without realizing.
In the case of parents, remember that they’d probably rather help you find your retainer than pay for a new one!
In most cases, for at least the first month, the only reasons you should remove it is to eat, brush your teeth, or play contact sports. After that, you should wear it every night for two years, and then at least three nights a week for the rest of your life.
Keep it somewhere convenient, out of the reach of children and pets. A shelf in your bedroom or in a bathroom medicine cabinet can be a good option.
It might be embarrassing to have your retainer on display for the whole table to see, but probably not as embarrassing as having to ask a restaurant hostess to dig through the trash to find your lost retainer.
Say where it is, out loud, as you put it down. For example, “I’m putting my retainer on the counter next to the aloe vera plant. " Saying things out loud makes your brain consciously think about your action, which can help you remember what you did later. [7] X Research source Tell someone. When you take your retainer out, tell whoever you are with where you’re putting it. You can even text a friend! That way, if you can’t find it later, you can always ask. This has the same benefit of saying it out loud, but with the added benefit of having a second person to help remember. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is a meditative practice that involves focusing on sensations, sights, sounds, and other details of the present moment. By making an effort to be mentally present in your day-to-day routine, you can avoid mindlessly setting your retainer down and instead train yourself to think consciously about the moment as you remove it. [8] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source
If your parents typically pay for your retainers, resolve to pay for your own replacement if you lose it. Knowing that you will have to give up allowance or work odd jobs to pay for a replacement can be a great motivator! If you typically purchase your own retainers, promise yourself a reward if you manage to not lose it before it’s time to replace it again. The reward might be something you’ve been wanting to purchase for yourself like new shoes or a belt, a day at the spa, or a truffle from the candy store. Make sure it is something you wouldn’t normally reward yourself with, so that it will be motivating to you! The only way these motivators will work is if they encourage you to practice memory strategies and make an effort to remember where you put your retainer, so commit to putting in the extra cognitive work!
Call if you haven’t found your retainer after a few hours. Your orthodontist will want to schedule an appointment promptly to prevent tooth relapse,[11] X Research source and it will take a few days to have new retainers made. [12] X Research source
Ask your dentist or orthodontist about her replacement policy for lost retainers. Also ask if you can get a reduced rate if you purchase more than one retainer at a time, so that you can have a backup on hand if you need it again. [13] X Research source
