How to Care for your Retainers

Congratulations! You have finally completed your orthodontic treatment with Roger’s Center for Dentistry in Spanish Fork. Now that you have the smile you have always dreamed of it is up to you to keep it looking beautiful. Now will come the time for you to take care of and regularly wear your retainers. To help you in caring for your retainers we have provided some tips below.

Take it out Before you Eat

This will be a habit that you have to get into in order to properly care for your retainers. They aren’t made to withstand some of the food that you will be needing to chew and swallow. Leaving your retainer in while eating can also cause a buildup of plaque resulting in cavities. Remember to always store your retainer in its case. Never just wrap it in a napkin, this leads to accidentally throwing it away.

Keep it Clean and then Store

Your retainer will need to be rinsed and cleaned regularly to remove any germs and plaque that might have built up during the day. You can use a regular toothbrush and toothpaste or soak your retainer in a glass of water with some baking soda. If you don’t have to wear a retainer very often (for example, you only wear it every other night), store it in a container with sufficient airflow so it doesn’t breed mold and bacteria.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals when Cleaning your Retainer

Water and toothpaste is more than sufficient when it comes to cleaning your retainer. Other cleaning options include baking soda, mild vinegar or denture tablets to the water when soaking your retainer. Avoid using bleach or alcohol-based mouthwash. These products can damage the plastic — and your mouth. Boiling your retainer is another serious no-no; it can warp the metal and melt the plastic.

Remove the Retainer while Brushing your Teeth

Never brush your teeth while wearing a retainer. You’ll miss large areas of your mouth, and the toothbrush may accidentally displace the retainer. Instead, brush and floss after you’ve removed your retainer, and then brush the retainer separately.

For more retainer care tips and tricks make sure you talk with your dentist at Roger’s Center for Dentistry in Spanish Fork. Make sure to schedule your follow-up appointments to keep your smile healthy and looking good.