If you’ve just reached the finish line of your orthodontic treatment, congratulations—you’re probably feeling on top of the world! Your teeth look great, and all that hard work has finally paid off. However, now comes one of the most important steps in maintaining your results: wearing and caring for your retainer. These devices play a key role in keeping your teeth in their new positions, and with the right care, they can last for years and do their job well. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Tip #1. Always Remove Your Retainer Before Eating
If you wore clear aligners, you were probably used to removing your aligners any time you were eating or drinking anything aside from water. When it comes to your retainer, you’ll want to adopt a similar habit and remove your device whenever it’s time to eat, so that it doesn’t trap food particles or become damaged. Carry your retainer case with you and pop your retainer in before meals—don’t wrap it in a napkin or set it on a countertop, as this is a sure way for it to be tossed or lost accidentally.
Tip #2. Clean Your Retainer Before Storing It
You should rinse and brush your retainer regularly—think of it as an extension of your teeth while it’s being worn! You can use a regular toothbrush and room temperature water, with some non-abrasive toothpaste. You shouldn’t use any bleaching chemicals or hot temperatures. You can also use denture cleaning tablets. Once your retainer is clean, you can store it; if you don’t need to wear it often, place it in a container with sufficient airflow so it doesn’t breed bacteria and mold.
Tip #3. Don’t Brush Your Teeth While Wearing Your Retainer
Though it might seem like an easy way to clean both your retainer and your teeth at the same time, you shouldn’t brush while wearing your device. You’ll end up missing large areas of your mouth, and the toothbrush might also displace or damage the retainer. Plus, you’re not likely to thoroughly clean the retainer, anyway.
Tip #4. Don’t Neglect a Lost or Damaged Retainer
Accidents happen, and if your retainer becomes lost or damaged, you don’t want to panic—and you certainly don’t want to shrug things off as no big deal. The truth is, your teeth might shift back to their original, crooked positions sooner than you realize if you don’t wear your retainer. Let your orthodontist know, and they’ll be able to provide you with a replacement.
Your retainer is the key to protecting the smile you worked so hard to achieve; with proper care, cleaning, and storage, not to mention consistent wear, it’ll keep your teeth looking great for many years to come!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has served the needs of patients in Worcester and the surrounding area for several years under the talented leadership of Dr. Amir Tiam. We proudly offer a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners, custom-made retainers and nightguards, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 757-3173.
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