You’ve finally done it! You’ve completed your orthodontic treatment and have a beautifully straightened smile you can’t wait to show off. However, your teeth are prone to shifting back out of alignment in the period shortly after your braces are removed or you stop wearing your clear aligners.
Your orthodontist prevents this by providing a customized retainer that doesn’t exert enough force to shift your teeth, but helps them remain in their updated positions long enough for your mouth to adjust. Continue reading to learn 3 tips for caring for your oral appliance to avoid some common dental concerns!
Tip #1: Remove it for Meals
Unless your provider recommends a fixed retainer, which is cemented in place, you should plan to remove your dental work during meals. They’re often made from materials like acrylic or plastic, which sometimes include metallic wires, but aren’t intended to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing. You might crack or break them trying to eat anything too hard or crunchy.
You should also avoid drinking hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, with your device inserted because the high temperatures can warp the materials. As a result, your appliance may not fit correctly, which can impede its functionality.
Tip #2: Rinse it Regularly
Your mouth is full of bacteria, leftover bits of food, and other particles that can cling to the surface of your retainer and form plaque. Unfortunately, if the unclean surfaces are pressed against your teeth and gums for most of the day and/or night, they can contribute to the development of common oral issues, such as cavities or gum disease.
You can help prevent this by regularly removing them to rinse them. Holding them under gently running lukewarm or room-temperature water can kill germs and remove any remaining food or other harmful residue before reinserting them into your mouth.
Tip #3: Brush it Carefully
Rinsing your retainer consistently helps keep it clean, but you must also remove it to thoroughly (but gently) wash all of its surfaces. You can do this by scrubbing it with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild dish soap or non-abrasive toothpaste that won’t harm the materials. You can also soak it periodically in a special solution or create your own by mixing baking soda, mild vinegar, or denture tablets into a glass of water.
Remember to choose your products carefully and avoid using anything with harsh chemicals, such as bleach or alcohol-based mouthwashes, that might damage your retainer.
Your orthodontist will likely provide a comprehensive list of care instructions that can help you keep your oral appliance in excellent condition for as long as you need to wear it!
Meet the Author
Dr. William “Vaughn” Holland is passionate about helping families in Jacksonville improve their lives by straightening their smiles. He earned his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and then completed a Prosthodontics and Orthodontics dual-specialty program there, and is one of only approximately 10 such specialists in the U.S. He offers a complete array of orthodontic services to people of all ages, including providing custom-fitted retainers, to meet your unique needs conveniently under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or call (904) 388-4600.