Now that you’ve completed orthodontic treatment and you have a beautiful, healthy smile to show for it, it’s important to maintain your results with your retainer. There are many different kinds of retainers, but no matter the type it’s likely that you’ll eventually need to replace yours.
Thankfully, retainers aren’t subject to much wear and tear, as they’re not worn during meals and typically only used while you’re asleep, but with time they can still become damaged, rendering them ineffective and increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease when in use.
Whether you’ve noticed changes in yours, or you’re simply curious about what to look for, here’s a handy guide to knowing when it’s time to replace your retainer!
Improper Fit
The good news about retainers is that it’s often pretty obvious that it’s time for a new one. Your retainer should fit snugly, but not painfully. If you’ve been skipping wearing it and notice that it’s not fitting correctly, or even if you wear it regularly and it’s feeling loose, this is an important sign that you should see your orthodontist, as it could indicate that your retainer is damaged, needs adjustment, or that your teeth have shifted out of alignment.
Chips and Cracks
There are many ways your retainer may become damaged. Chips, cracks, or bent wires are all dangerous because they can injure your soft tissues and harbor dangerous bacteria as well as push your teeth out of alignment. Thus, if you notice any of these issues, please contact your orthodontist as soon as possible.
Buildup
Because your retainer is in your mouth for hours at a time, it’s easy for it to accumulate a buildup of calcium, plaque and bacteria. To prevent this, be sure to clean it well when you’re not wearing it. This can be done by gently scrubbing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and either a mild hand soap or denture cleanser. You can also soak it in denture soak as directed. Before you store it away for the day, be sure to rinse it well, dry it completely, and protect it in your retainer case or somewhere safe so it doesn’t become lost or damaged.
Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers (also known as fixed or bonded retainers) are often used on the lower teeth and can only be moved or adjusted by your orthodontist. Though durable, occasionally the teeth they are bonded to can still shift, or the retainer itself can become bent or broken. If you notice any changes to your permanent retainer, please contact your orthodontist to have it repaired, as delaying this can lead to your teeth shifting out of alignment.
Remember, your retainer was designed to maintain your beautiful new smile, but if it’s lost, broken, or doesn’t fit, it can’t do its job. If you notice any of the above signs with your own retainer, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible for help.
About Our Practice
At Serenity Orthodontics, our team of skilled and caring orthodontists want to make you smile! Whether you’re just getting started with new braces or aligners, or you’ve been enjoying your beautiful results for years and it’s time for a new retainer, we’re proud to offer a variety of solutions in-house.
To schedule an appointment for a retainer check or any other reason, please visit our website or call us today at 470-589-4475.