Retainer TLC: 4 Tips to Follow to Ensure It Lasts Longer

When you finish orthodontic treatment, you may assume the last stage is having your braces removed; however, this is not true. The last phase is retention, and it lasts a lifetime. With a carefully crafted retainer (fixed or removable), your new smile will remain in its new location over time, but how can you clean and take care of this customized device? Keep reading to discover four tips you will want to use to ensure its longevity and cleanliness.

Tip #1: Do Not Eat While Wearing Your Retainer.

Keeping a protective case nearby can be the ideal way to avoid damaging your retainer. Biting down or eating any kind of food can increase the risk of transferring bacteria and plaque onto your retainer and teeth – a problem that doesn’t bode well for your smile.

Instead, remove your retainer before mealtime or when enjoying a snack so that you can remain confident in the state of your retainer.

Tip #2: Avoid Fancy Products to Clean It.

Retainers only need toothpaste and warm water to ensure a proper cleaning. You can also use baking soda or denture cleanser to soak your retainer. Attempting to use other harsh chemicals, like bleach or mouthwash that contains alcohol, can damage your device, as well as placing it in boiling water, as this will warp the material and require you to purchase a new one.

Tip #3: Store a Clean Retainer, Not a Dirty One.

When removing your retainer and putting it in a protective case, make sure it is clean beforehand. This ensures no harmful bacteria and food particles will return to your teeth when reinserting it. Also, it prevents an accumulation of tartar.

There is no need to purchase specialty products when you can use regular dental instruments and toothpaste to achieve the kind of cleaning that offers greater reassurance.

Tip #4: Never Clean Your Teeth While Wearing Your Retainer.

Although it might seem like a good idea to keep your retainer in your mouth while cleaning your teeth, it can actually cause additional problems, like dental decay and cavities.

Instead of brushing right away, remove your retainer and give it a thorough cleaning before placing it in a protective case. You will then need to clean your teeth and gums as normal.

By keeping these two cleaning activities separate, you can be sure that your retainer will last longer and avoid harmful build-up.

Giving your retainer the cleaning and attention it deserves will not only benefit your oral device but also your wallet and smile. Your teeth will remain in their new location, and you’ll avoid spending additional money on a replacement retainer.

About the Author
Dr. Reema Dhingra is a trusted orthodontist in Auburn who enjoys working with young patients who need help to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. Using an array of methods and techniques to realign teeth, she emphasizes the importance of retention after braces or aligners are removed. Want to make sure your teeth stay in their new location? Contact us via our website or by calling (508) 832-6278 to discuss how you can take proper care of your new retainer.