Orthodontic retainers play an important role in effectively keeping your smile healthy, especially after the braces come off. This is why properly caring for your retainer is very important, ensuring you are getting the most out of your retainer for as long that is necessary for your treatment.
Keep your retainer safe. Be sure to keep your retainer safe by placing it in its storage box when you are not wearing it, keeping your storage box in a place that you will remember where to find it.
Clean your retainer. Retainers contain bacteria and germs, so it is important that you regularly clean your retainer with warm water, toothpaste, and a toothbrush, preventing the build-up of plaque, the development of bacteria, as well as preventing any possible odors.
Wear your retainer regularly. In order to keep your teeth from shifting, it is important to wear your retainer regularly and according to your orthodontist’s instructions. It is important to only remove it while eating or when playing sports or swimming.
Do not alter your retainer. It is important to leave any adjustments or alterations that need to be made to your retainer, strictly to your orthodontist. If you feel that there is something wrong with your retainer, or it is uncomfortable, then it is critical that you contact your orthodontist in order to have your retainer checked out and the problem corrected.
Care for your retainer. Retainers are fragile, especially since they are only made of thin plastic and wires. If you break your retainer, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to get it fixed or replaced.
Keep your retainer away from heat. Heat sources, such as coffee, hot water, dashboards, dishwashers, and your pocket can all be damaging to your retainer. Be sure to keep it away from any place that radiates too much heat.
Contact Beauty Smile Orthodontics for more information, or to schedule your consultation today!