Congratulations on completing your orthodontic treatment! You now have a beautiful smile to showcase your efforts! But now that your braces or aligners are off, it’s time to make sure your teeth stay where they’re supposed to be with the help of a retainer.
While you may not need to wear it as much in the coming weeks and months, for now, stick to the regimen prescribed by your orthodontist. This will ensure that your teeth do not shift back to their old positions and undo all that hard work. Here’s how you should care for your new equipment to keep it looking and working its best!
Remove it Before Eating
The first thing you need to remember about your retainer is that you should never eat with it on. Always remove it before meals and be sure to rinse it well when you take it out. Then, store it in a safe place such as a retainer case or a glass of water or retainer soak until you are ready to put it back on.
Cleaning and Storage
When it comes time to take your retainer off for the day, be sure to clean it well before storing it. You can do this by brushing it with a toothbrush and paste, and then rinsing it well. You can also store it in a glass of water, retainer soak, or a cup of water with baking soda in it. Then, be sure to rinse it again before putting it back in your mouth.
Beware of Harsh Chemicals
You should be able to get your retainer clean with just toothpaste and water. If you choose to soak it, you can add some baking soda, mild vinegar, or denture tablets to a glass of water. Never use bleach or alcohol-based mouthwash to clean a retainer, as they can damage the plastic and injure your mouth. Also, don’t boil your retainer, as this can melt the plastic and warp the metal!
Remove to Clean
When it comes time to clean your retainer, be sure to take it out of your mouth. This will not only ensure that you do not miss cleaning any spots on the retainer, but it also will ensure that you are able to properly clean your entire mouth.
Remember, your retainer is an important step in maintaining your orthodontic treatment results. Be sure to follow these important care instructions to make the most of your new smile, and to keep your retainer looking and feeling as clean and new as possible.
About Dr. Witt
Dr. Davis Witt wants you to be proud of your smile, which is why he and the team at Witt Orthodontics work so hard to ensure that you understand how to care for your results. Wearing a retainer is an important way to maintain your new smile, and understanding how to care for it will help keep it working properly and looking great.
To schedule an orthodontic appointment, please visit our website or call us today at one of our three convenient locations.
