Caring For Your Orthodontic Retainer

THE DAY YOU HAVE BEEN waiting for has finally arrived… your braces are off. Congratulations! A lot of people mistakenly believe that orthodontic treatment ends after braces, but it’s important to understand that wearing a retainer has an equally essential part in creating and maintaining that beautiful new smile of yours.

Take Proper Care Of Your Retainer

The first step in taking care of your retainer is to clean it daily. Depending on your preference as well as the type of retainer you get, maintenance may vary. Below we’ve listed our top 2 recommendations on how to clean your orthodontic appliance.

Dish Soap

This mild household cleaner also works well to clean your retainer. Scrub your retainer with a toothbrush and mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly.

White Vinegar Solution

Once a week, place your retainers in a white vinegar solution for 60 minutes and then rinse with water.

Protect Your Investment

We’ve all heard the retainer horror stories… throwing it away with your school lunch, leaving it on the table only to find it later, a mangled mess in your dog’s mouth. Here are some tips to help you protect your investment:

• Do not use toothpaste to clean your retainer (unless it is non-abrasive). The majority of toothpastes contain abrasive substances that can scratch your retainer, damaging its appearance over time and creating places where bacteria can collect.
• When your retainer isn’t in your mouth, keep it in your case and out of reach of small children or pets.
• Never boil or use hot water to rinse your retainer. You wouldn’t want it to melt or change shape.
• Avoid wrapping it up in napkins so it doesn’t accidentally get thrown away.

Keep Up The Good Work

Taking care of your retainer is just as important as wearing it. You’ve worked hard for that beautiful, straight smile–we’re here to help you keep it that way! Do you have any questions about retainer maintenance? Call us or let us know in the comments below.

Thank you for your loyalty to our practice.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.