Maintaining your new smile doesn’t end when your braces or clear aligners come off. Wearing your retainer as directed is essential for helping your teeth stay in their new positions, and taking good care of it is just as important. A clean, well-maintained retainer can remain comfortable and functional while helping protect your orthodontic investment.
Try these 4 tips for keeping yours in good condition.
1. Clean Your Retainer Regularly
Just like your teeth, your retainer can collect bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Cleaning it regularly can help prevent unpleasant odors and buildup.
Follow your orthodontist’s instructions for cleaning your specific type of retainer. In many cases, rinsing it with cool or lukewarm water and gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush can help keep it clean.
Avoid using hot water, which can potentially warp certain types of retainers. Your orthodontist may also recommend a specialized cleaning solution or tablet.
2. Store It Properly
When you’re not wearing your retainer, keep it in its protective case. Leaving it on a countertop, wrapped in a napkin, or loose in a bag makes it easier to lose or accidentally damage.
Keep the case clean, too. Rinse it regularly and allow it to dry completely before storing your retainer.
If you have pets, be particularly careful about where you leave your retainer. Dogs and other animals may be attracted to its smell and can easily chew through the appliance!
3. Keep It Away from Heat
Heat can damage some retainers and cause them to lose their shape. Never leave your retainer in a hot car (especially this time of year), near a heater, or in another location exposed to high temperatures.
When cleaning your retainer, use cool or lukewarm water rather than hot water unless your orthodontist provides different instructions.
If your retainer suddenly feels different or no longer fits properly after exposure to heat, don’t try to reshape it yourself. Contact your orthodontist for guidance.
4. Wear As Directed
Even the best-maintained retainer can’t do its job if you don’t wear it according to your orthodontist’s instructions. Your teeth can gradually shift after orthodontic treatment, making consistent retainer use an important part of keeping your pearly whites straight!
Don’t assume you can stop wearing your retainer simply because your teeth look straight. Your orthodontist will determine how frequently and how long you should wear it based on your individual treatment.
If your retainer becomes cracked, damaged, lost, or uncomfortable, contact your orthodontist rather than continuing to use a damaged appliance so you can stay on track and not undo all the time and money you sank into treatment.
A retainer is an important part of your long-term orthodontic care. Cleaning it regularly, storing it safely, protecting it from heat, and wearing it as directed can help keep it working properly. If you have questions about caring for your particular retainer, ask your orthodontist for personalized recommendations.
About the Author
If you’re looking for an experienced smile-maker, Dr. David W. Cordes has been straightening teeth for more than 20 years and counting. He both earned his dental degree and completed a 3-year specialty program at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, where he currently teaches orthodontics courses as an Assistant Clinical Professor. If you need a new retainer or help with your current one, come visit one of our 3 fun, friendly, and laid-back orthodontic offices. Book online or call a location in your area.