Now that your orthodontic treatment is complete, your orthodontist will likely provide you with a retainer to wear to maintain your new smile. At first, you may need to wear it around the clock, but eventually you’ll likely only need to use it while you sleep. Still, protecting your retainer is very important, because if it’s not in good working condition, it can’t do its job. In that spirit, here are four important tips to make wearing and caring for your retainer a breeze!
Remove Your Retainer When You Eat
The first rule of retainer care is to always remove it when you eat. Your retainer can become dirty or damaged if kept in during meals, so always take it out, rinse it well, and store it in its case or a glass of retainer cleanser. Be careful where you put it when you’re not using it, as retainers are notorious for being accidentally thrown away after meals!
Keep Your Retainer Clean
Just like other orthodontic equipment, retainers can absorb odors, harbor bacteria, and become discolored or smell bad if not cleaned properly. Thus, whenever you take it out, be sure to rinse it well, and if you are done wearing it for the day, clean it thoroughly and store it safely until you’re ready to use it again.
Clean Your Retainer Gently
Retainers should never be cleaned with bleach or harsh chemicals. Mild hand soap or retainer soak are perfect options, but as none of these cleansers are meant to be ingested, you should still make sure to rinse it very well before putting it back in your mouth. Use only a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub it, as many harder brushes can scratch the surface and cause permanent damage.
Remove it When You Brush
Brushing your teeth is one area where you should never cut corners. Thus, don’t try to save time by brushing your teeth with your retainer in your mouth. To ensure that it gets totally clean, you should remove it completely so you can scrub all sides, as well as clean all surfaces of your mouth, including those that could be obstructed by wearing it.
Remember, wearing a retainer is a bit different than braces, but thankfully properly using and caring for it are easy with these four important tips! If you have any questions or concerns about your new appliance, speak to your orthodontist for further assistance!
About Dr. Ishani
Dr. Payam Ishani has always appreciated dentistry’s connection between art and science, making him the perfect person to be an orthodontist. In addition to understanding what makes a smile amazing, Dr. Ishani knows how to help move your teeth to their optimal position, so that you have both beautiful and functional results. Ishani strongly believes in continuing education, having earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology at the University of Utah and later graduating from the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry. He completed his specialty training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center while simultaneously earning his master’s in biology. Dr. Ishani is a certified Invisalign provider as well as a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.
To schedule an appointment for orthodontic care or for a new retainer, please visit our website or call Casady Square Orthodontics at 405-254-5094.