Patients often think their orthodontic treatment is done when the brackets come off or there aren’t any more aligners. The reality is that there is another crucial step: the retention phase. This is crucial because upwards of 50% of patients experience orthodontic relapse, which is when the teeth move back into their previously misaligned positions. Retainers help prevent that from happening! To keep yours in pristine condition, we recommend:
1. Don’t Eat While Wearing Your Retainer
Typically, patients only need to wear their retainer at night. For the select few that need to wear it more often, make sure that you get in the habit of taking it off before you eat. This is crucial because – if you don’t – there’s a good chance that yours will warp, chip, or crack.
2. Always Store Your Retainer Properly
Be honest… Do you sometimes wrap your retainer in a napkin or place it on your bathroom counter after you take it off? While this may seem like a harmless habit, it dramatically increases the chances of yours getting damaged or misplaced. So, put it in its designated storage case instead!
3. Clean Your Retainers Every Morning and Night
Whether you have a traditional retainer or one that looks like a clear aligner, you need to take good care of it. Otherwise, it will start to stain and discolor, drawing attention to your smile for all of the wrong reasons. Fortunately, you only need two things: a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dishwashing soap.
4. Don’t Use Harsh Cleaners
Although household cleaners, like bleach, are effective, they contain toxins that are not safe to ingest. So, don’t use them to clean your retainer! You also shouldn’t soak them in hot water or put them in your dishwasher. If you want to give them a deeper clean, ask your orthodontist for their recommendations.
5. Call Your Orthodontist If Your Retainer Breaks
Whether there is a small chip in your retainer or yours has broken into several pieces, don’t try to use superglue to piece it back together. Instead, call your orthodontist! The sooner you do, the sooner they can begin the process of having it repaired or replaced.
About the Practice
For our top-rated team at Willow Bend Orthodontics, custom orthodontic care is just the beginning. We’re also here to help our patients navigate life with braces and preserve their gorgeous results for decades to come. So, if you’re ready to pursue your dream smile, you need a new retainer made, or you simply have a question about braces, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (972) 732-1400.