4 Quick Tips To Care For Your Retainer

Finishing up an orthodontic treatment deserves a celebration! Whether you used clear aligners or went the more traditional route with metal braces, you’ve likely been looking forward to this for a long time! Once you’ve had your braces removed or are done with your clear aligners, you finally get to enjoy your newly straightened smile.

You don’t want all your efforts to go to waste, however. If your orthodontist fitted you for a retainer, it’s important to maintain it properly to prevent any relapse in your treatment. Now that your teeth line up, after all, it’s important to keep them that way! Continue reading for 4 tips on how to best care for your retainer.

Tip #1: Remove Your Retainer For Meals

You don’t want bits of the food that you eat to get stuck to your retainer because it traps germs which encourages plaque development. To avoid this, carry your retainer case with you so that you can remove it for meals.

As a side note- be careful about putting your dental gear in a napkin or tissue because this has led many patients to accidentally throw theirs away! You don’t want to have to replace yours so soon.

Tip #2: Clean Your Retainer Regularly

Your daily dental hygiene routine needs to include regularly removing and brushing your retainer. Without consistent cleaning, germs can fester and develop a thin layer of tartar. Feel free to brush it using a standard toothbrush and toothpaste, or simply soak it in a glass of water with baking soda. If you only wear your retainer during certain times, like overnight, then store it in a container with sufficient airflow so that mold doesn’t grow.

Tip #3: Don’t Apply Harsh Chemicals To Your Retainer

You might be tempted to soak your retainer in bleach or an alcohol-based mouthwash thinking it will help destroy unhealthy germs. Instead, these chemicals will ruin the plastic! Your retainer won’t do you any good if it’s damaged and loses its durability. If you’re not sure what products are safe, you can always ask your orthodontist.

Also, you should never boil your retainer because this will inevitably warp it. It can’t keep your teeth straight if it changes shape!

Tip #4: Take Your Retainer Out to Brush Your Teeth

It’s imperative that you also continue taking care of your teeth with consistent brushing and flossing. You can’t do that effectively with your retainer in, so you need to be sure to take it out at least twice a day so you can thoroughly remove unhealthy bacteria from your teeth and gums. These preventative measures are the best way to avoid gum disease and tooth decay.

If your retainer becomes cracked, warped, or damaged in any capacity you should let your orthodontist know. They’ll need to fit you for a new one so that your teeth don’t revert to their previous positions. By caring for your retainer properly, you ensure that your newly perfected smile will last!

About the Practice

At Serenity Orthodontics, our friendly dental team is devoted to providing patients with lasting results they’ll love. We’ll guide you through the entire orthodontic process to help set you up for long-term success. We also offer free consultations and financial options so that cost won’t hold you back from having the straight teeth you deserve. Feel free to request an appointment on our website or by calling (678) 879-3006.