You’re excited that your teeth have been straightened with braces, but now your orthodontist may ask you to wear a retainer for several months to keep the teeth from shifting. Some of these appliances are removable for meals and cleaning, while others are bonded to the teeth. Whichever type is the recommended fit for you, it’s important to take good care of it. You’ve come this far for a beautiful smile, and a little more TLC will help ensure it lasts a lifetime.

How to Care for Your Retainer

1. Clean It Daily

At least once a day, rinse and brush the appliance gently. This removes food particles that might be clinging to the plastic or wires and scrubs away bacteria that can result in unpleasant odors. 

Talk to an orthodontist before using toothpaste on a removable retainer, as some brands contain abrasives that could scratch the plastic and create places for bacteria to hide. Over-the-counter denture cleaners are an easy way to keep your retainers clean and fresh. You may occasionally soak it overnight in mouthwash, which helps keep it germ-and odor-free. However, avoid taking this step every day since it could deteriorate the plastic. 

If your retainer is bonded instead of removable, brush as you normally would. Be careful when flossing around your bonded retainers. Floss threaders are useful for getting under a bonded retainer. Many people find interproximal brushes to make flossing much easier, just like when wearing braces. 

2. Avoid Wrapping It in Napkins

When you take a removable retainer out so that you can eat, you may be tempted to wrap or cover it in a disposable napkin so that others won't see it. This is particularly common in restaurants. However, doing this makes it easy to forget the appliance, which too often ends up in the trash.

Instead, store the appliance(s) during meals in its plastic storage case, which is more noticeable when you’re getting ready to leave the table. It’s also wise to avoid sticking it in your purse or pocket, where it may be damaged. Your orthodontist may supply you with a backup case if you lose the original.

3. Keep It Away From Heat

A retainer is made largely of rigid plastic. Its shape is essential to keeping your teeth aligned. Heat can soften it, cause it to lose its shape, or melt it completely.

Keep it away from high-temperature environments, such as near hot lights, a car windshield, or the kitchen stove. When you’re not wearing it, store it in its case in the same location so that you don't lose it.

4. Be Careful Around Pets

Animals are understandably curious about anything that spends time in your mouth. Dogs are smell-oriented, so they may be particularly drawn to the appliance. To prevent your retainer from being chewed into a useless shape, store it in its case and keep it away from the family pets whenever you take it out.

If you've considered teeth straightening and need a place you can trust to fit you with braces and a retainer, contact Delgado Orthodontics in North Richland Hills, TX. They serve patients in and around Tarrant County. They specialize in both juvenile and adult braces and Invisalign® clear aligners, and they’ll help you keep them safe and healthy throughout your journey. Learn more about the practice on their website. Call (817) 282-1821 to make an orthodontist appointment.