After you finish your time with braces or clear aligners, you will enter into the maintenance phase of your orthodontic treatment. In other words, you have to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from drifting back into their former positions. With proper care, a removable retainer can last for several years (for example, a Hawley retainer may last for 3 – 10 years, whereas a clear/invisible retainer may endure for 2-3 years or so). How can you take good care of your retainer so it lives up to its potential? Here are four easy tips:
Remove Your Retainer When You Eat
Dr. Ben may instruct you to wear your retainer all the time to start off with. If this is the case, then you should keep your retainer in your mouth as much as possible. However, there are a few times when it would be best to remove it — including when you eat. Taking it out at mealtimes can prevent it from accumulating food particles and plaque. It can also reduce the risk of damage.
Do not wrap your retainer in a napkin while you eat. Too many people have accidentally thrown away their appliance after a meal! Instead, place it in its storage case.
Keep Your Retainer Clean
Just like you have a regular routine for cleaning your teeth, you should also have a routine for cleaning your retainer. Rinse it thoroughly with cool water, and use a soft brush to remove debris and plaque from all its surfaces. You can also purchase an ultrasonic cleaning pod to use each morning with cold water to remove stuck on debris.
When leaving your retainer at home, be sure to store it in a place with plenty of airflow between uses. This can help to prevent mold and bacterial buildup. Direct sunlight (near a window in the bathroom) can also prevent bacterial buildup.
Do Not Use Harsh Cleaning Methods
Water, effervescent cleaning tablets, and other mild cleaning agents should be more than enough to keep your retainer clean. You should never use harsher chemicals, such as bleach or other household cleaners. These products might damage your retainer, and you do not want bleach residue lingering in your mouth.
Also, keep in mind that you should never use extremely hot or boiling water to clean your retainer. The high temperature will cause your retainer to warp!
Remove Your Retainer When You Brush Your Teeth
For the sake of efficiency, some people have made the mistake of brushing their teeth while wearing their retainer. Do not do this! You will miss large areas of your mouth, and your toothbrush may dislodge your retainer. First, remove your appliance and clean your mouth. You can clean your retainer separately.
Taking care of an orthodontic retainer is pretty easy! Ask the team at Grayslake Orthodontics if you have questions about how to keep your appliance in good shape.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Ben Youel is a well-reputed orthodontist in Grayslake, IL. He and our team provide a range of services, including braces, clear aligners, retainers, and more. If you have questions about how to achieve and maintain a well-aligned smile, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office at 847-548-4330.
