If you’re quickly approaching the finish line of your orthodontic journey, you’re probably looking forward to life with a beautiful and straighter set of teeth. However, your orthodontic treatment isn’t necessarily over once your clear aligners are removed—you’ll still need to wear your retainer moving forward to ensure that your teeth stay where they’re supposed to! Here are a few useful tips to help you take good care of your retainer so that your results last.
Tip #1: Keep Your Retainer as Clean as Possible
Simply put, your retainer needs to be kept as clean as possible; it can very easily trap food debris and particles that’ll contribute to tartar and cavities. Like your teeth, be sure that you’re brushing and rinsing your retainer regularly, but don’t brush it while it’s inside your mouth. Also, don’t use regular toothpaste; it can be abrasive and actually damage your retainer, which makes it even more difficult to wear and clean alike! Lastly, be sure that you aren’t using harsh chemicals like bleach or alcohol to clean your retainer; room temperature water will usually suffice.
Tip #2: Remove It Before Eating
One striking similarity between orthodontic treatments like Invisalign and a retainer is that you need to remove it before eating anything. Not only does this help to keep it clean, but it also lessens the chance of it sustaining damage or becoming disfigured and unable to fit properly. Be sure to carry your retainer’s carrying case with you when you’re on the go, so you have a safe and secure spot to store it whenever you’re eating or brushing your teeth.
Tip #3: Wear It Often
The primary reason for needing to wear your retainer often is so that your teeth don’t revert back to their original and incorrect positions! The device will only work as intended if you wear it as instructed—even skipping a few days might set you back and cause complications. Wearing your retainer as often as intended is also a surefire way to keep it safe and intact.
Your retainer is an important and necessary component of your orthodontic journey, and you should absolutely prioritize not just wearing it, but also taking great care of it. Your smile will thank you for helping it to remain healthy and straight for several years to come!
About the Practice
Our team at Simply Orthodontics Grafton is happy to assist you with all of your orthodontic needs! Our practice is led by the awesome duo of Dr. Ben Smith and Dr. Sam Alkhoury, who each take pride in helping their patients achieve beautiful, life-changing smiles. If you have any questions about how to properly care for your retainer, or if you’d like to arrange a visit, don’t hesitate to contact us online or over the phone for additional assistance: (508) 839-9350.