Taking Care of Your Retainer

Through the course of several alignment sessions your braces helped to pull your teeth into a better alignment. With your teeth in their new position your mouth will function better and you will have a more appealing smile. However, braces are just one step of the process of aligning your teeth. The second step involves wearing a retainer.

A damaged retainer might allow a small amount of relapse to happen in the alignment of your teeth. Taking proper care of your retainer shortens the amount of time you will need to retain it.

When you are not wearing your retainer you should keep it in the case provided by the orthodontist. It’s a good habit to keep the case with you in a pocket or backpack, rather than improvise by keeping it in a napkin or a plastic bag.

If your retainer needs refreshing, you can soak it in a mixture that is half water and half antiseptic mouthwash. You should also brush your retainer each day with a soft bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. This will help to remove any plaque buildup and keep the retainer fresh, without dulling or damaging the surface of the unit.

Make sure you maintain your daily hygiene routine, of brushing and flossing twice per day.

If you retainer is bent or otherwise damaged you should call us immediately. Not wearing your retainer during the prescribed times will increase the amount of time you need a retainer and can also cause a relapse in the alignment of your teeth.

If you have questions about how to clean and maintain your retainer please call us at (678) 401-4321 so we can answer your questions or schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!