Your retainer may be small, but it plays a big role in preventing orthodontic relapse. That’s why you should commit to wearing it for a lifetime! Naturally, that requires some maintenance. If you’re unsure of exactly how to care for your retainer – don’t worry. Keep reading to learn four ways to preserve yours.
#1. Always Take Your Retainer Out Before You Eat
Are you often tempted to keep your retainers in while you eat? While the sheer convenience can be tempting, this can result in some serious damage to your oral appliance. Therefore, it’s worth taking the extra few seconds to remove it, rinse it off, and place it in its storage case.
#2. Never Clean Your Retainer with Hot Water or Harsh Chemicals
Since you can effectively disinfect your toothbrush by soaking it in a cup of hot water, you may be thinking of taking the same approach with your retainer. However, the hot water can warp the shape, compromising its integrity and rendering it essentially useless. Harsh chemicals, like bleach, are also not ideal. Just stick to a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean, lukewarm water.
#3. Keep Your Retainers Safe When Not In Use
While enjoying a meal at your favorite restaurant, you may think of wrapping your retainers in a napkin in the meantime. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common reasons oral appliances like these get thrown away or misplaced. So, as tempting as it may be, don’t do it! Instead, rinse it off and place it in a storage case.
#4. Rinse Your Retainer Thoroughly Before Storing It
We’ve mentioned in the above tips to always rinse your retainers off before storing it away. This is essential to preventing food particles, plaque, and bacteria from making a home on the surfaces. Remember, your retainer will ideally last for decades. Neglecting to rinse it regularly can lead to discoloration and damage, requiring you to purchase a replacement. So, anytime you take your retainers out of your mouth, rinse them with clean, lukewarm water.
Now you know a few essential ways to keep your retainer in tip-top shape throughout the years. As a result, you’ll be able to wear it as needed to prevent orthodontic relapse and keep your teeth in their perfectly aligned positions. If you’d like more tips for keeping your retainer pristine, ask your orthodontist at your next visit!
About the Practice
Leading our team at Simply Orthodontics is a skilled, experienced, and compassionate orthodontist, Dr. Sam Alkhoury. With his decades of experience and passion for helping nearby patients achieve their dream smiles, he is the expert to trust. In fact, he was recently named “Best of the Best” by The Official Community Choice Awards! So, if you need a new retainer, are interested in getting braces, or need to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 508-943-2100.