Dos And Don'ts For Retainers

Retainers play an essential part in the world of dental care. Even after braces, you're advised to wear retainers for six months. Whether you choose Invisalign or braces, you will have to wear retainers eventually.

A retainer is a plastic mold of your teeth that keeps your teeth aligned and restrains any movement. It is placed until your teeth' new position becomes permanent.

If you wear retainers, it is important to learn how to care for them. Here is a list of dos and don'ts for your retainers.

Taking Care of Retainers: Dos

Take a look at the practices you should follow while having a retainer.

Soak Your Retainers Regularly

The best thing to do for your retainers is to soak them in water once a day. This practice helps to keep your retainers odor-free and clear-looking. Make sure to use a toothbrush after soaking them.

Brush Before Putting Retainers On

Brushing and flossing your pearly whites before wearing retainer should be made a habit. Not following this practice will make plaque grow inside your aligners resulting in staining for your teeth and retainer.

Take Retainers Off Before Eating

Keeping your retainers on while consuming food will either break them or put cracks in them. Always put them away in a safe case before eating.

Do Take Retainer To Doctors Appointment

Do bring retainer to the dentist appointment; ask the doctor to examine them. It helps in knowing that the retainer is doing its job and fits you perfectly.

Separate Toothbrush For Aligner

Please don't use your toothbrush to clean your retainer as it won't properly clean and will transfer germs to your aligner. Use a separate toothbrush instead.

Wear Them As Recommended By The Doctor

Do wear the retainers as advised by the doctor for the process to work efficiently. Or else your teeth will relocate back to their old position.

Taking Care of Retainers: Don'ts

Here is the list of things you should avoid while using retainers.

Don't leave retainers in the open

Leaving the retainers unattended and in the open can make room for bacterial contamination. Also, you might lose or damage them.

Don't Wash Them With Denture Products

Denture products are harmful to your retainers. It can mold your aligners in a way that won't fit your teeth or simply break them.

Don't Put Them In A Handkerchief Or A Tissue

This practice isn't the hygienic way to place your retainer s. Your aligners can be mistaken for garbage and might get thrown away. Always store them in a safe case.

Don't Eat Sticky Foods

Eating sticky foods like caramel while wearing retainers can damage them in a way that it'll either break or texture might get uneven.

Don't Put Them In Hot Water

Placing your retainer in warm water is fine; however, avoid putting them in hot water. The heat will melt the aligner's shape, and it won't fit in your mouth. It's essential to have your teeth straightened by a trained orthodontist.

It's important to have your teeth straightened by a qualified orthodontist. If you're in Frisco, TX, head over to Waterfront Family Dentistry for your oral healthcare needs. Serving Frisco, Little Elm, and The Colony, we are open for appointments and consultations. Call us at 972-987-4343 to schedule an appointment.