{"id":228,"date":"2025-04-24T18:45:44","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T18:45:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.willowbendbraces.com\/blog\/?p=228"},"modified":"2025-06-03T18:46:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T18:46:00","slug":"tips-for-caring-for-your-retainer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.willowbendbraces.com\/blog\/2025\/04\/24\/tips-for-caring-for-your-retainer\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Habits That Will Make Your Retainer Last"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Closeup<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Patients often think their orthodontic treatment is done when the brackets come off or there aren\u2019t 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<\/a> help prevent that from happening! To keep yours in pristine condition, we recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Don\u2019t Eat While Wearing Your Retainer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 if you don\u2019t \u2013 there\u2019s a good chance that yours will warp, chip, or crack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Always Store Your Retainer Properly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Be honest\u2026 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Clean Your Retainers Every Morning and Night<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Don\u2019t Use Harsh Cleaners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although household cleaners, like bleach, are effective, they contain toxins that are not safe to ingest. So, don\u2019t use them to clean your retainer! You also shouldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Call Your Orthodontist If Your Retainer Breaks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether there is a small chip in your retainer or yours has broken into several pieces, don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For our top-rated team at Willow Bend Orthodontics<\/a>, custom orthodontic care is just the beginning. We\u2019re also here to help our patients navigate life with braces and preserve their gorgeous results for decades to come. So, if you\u2019re ready to pursue your dream smile, you need a new retainer made, or you simply have a question about braces, don\u2019t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website<\/a> or by phone at (972) 732-1400<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Patients often think their orthodontic treatment is done when the brackets come off or there aren\u2019t 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. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-228","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n5 Habits That Will Make Your Retainer Last<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Your retainer plays a crucial role in the longevity of your results, so it\u2019s important that you take good care of it. 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