After your orthodontic treatment is complete, you will need to wear retainers on a full and then part-time basis to keep your new smile in place. Here’s how to store and care for your retainers to keep them in good shape.
Just like your teeth, your retainers will need to be cleaned on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb is that your retainers should never go into your mouth or into their case without getting a good cleaning first.
Keeping a regular cleaning routine for your retainers help eliminate bacteria and plaque buildup on them, helping to prevent the development of tooth decay and gum disease. It also helps ensure your breath stays fresh while your retainers are in your mouth.
It’s best to clean your retainers as soon as you take them out of your mouth so that any plaque and debris does not have a chance to harden. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently clean your retainers with warm, soapy water. Then rinse them thoroughly before placing them back into your mouth or their case.
Avoid using toothpaste as it is abrasive and can leave scratches on the retainers’ surface; bacteria can flourish in these scratches.
- When your removable retainers are not in your mouth, put them in their case
- Always carry a retainer case with you
- Never wrap your retainers in a napkin – it’s too easy to throw away
- Keep your retainers out of the reach of pets
- Avoid heat – your retainers can become deformed if they’re left on or near a heater, hot stove, or in a hot car
- Keep your retainers clean
If you have a problem with your retainers, if they get lost, broken, warped, are too loose, or are too tight, please contact our office right away.
