Can you imagine investing your valuable time and money into the teeth-straightening process, only for the results to go away after a few months or years? Unfortunately, this happens to upwards of 50% of patients. If you want to avoid becoming part of this statistic, it’s important that you follow all of your orthodontist’s instructions, including wearing your retainer each night while you sleep and prioritizing proper care and maintenance. With this in mind, keep reading for a guide to caring for your retainer!
1. Clean Your Retainer Twice a Day
Basically, you need to incorporate caring for your retainer into your oral hygiene regimen. After you take it out in the morning, rinse it thoroughly with clean, cool water and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and other debris from the surface. Then, before you go to bed at night, repeat the process.
Tip: Do NOT use toothpaste! Your orthodontist may recommend a specific cleaning product, but usually clear, mild dishwashing liquid does the trick.
2. Remove Your Retainer Before Eating
In short, eating with your retainer in can quickly cause it to warp or break. That’s why it’s so important to remove it beforehand! It’s also important to take yours off before drinking anything other than water, including coffee.
3. Use Your Retainer Case
When it comes time to remove your retainers, do NOT wrap them in a napkin or leave them on your bathroom counter. Instead, put them in their designated case. Not only will this prevent them from getting lost, but it will also reduce the chances of them breaking.
4. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
If you start to notice calcium buildup or your retainer has an unpleasant odor, you might be tempted to use something a bit harsher to clean them, like bleach. The reason patients are encouraged not to is because it contains chemicals that are not safe to ingest. Instead, commit to the previously mentioned habits and, if that doesn’t work, call your orthodontist so they can see if it’s time to make a new retainer.
About the Practice
For our team at Milton Orthodontics, custom orthodontic care is just the beginning. In fact, we want every patient to have a positive, comfortable, and stress-free journey to a straighter smile, which is why we do our best to share helpful recommendations, products, and tips along the way. We also provide custom retainers so they can enjoy the results for years to come. So, if you lost your retainer or the one you have is getting old, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us via our website. We’re here to help!
