The Top 4 Tips for Easy Retainer Care!

If you just finished orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign, you’re probably itching to show off your newly straightened and beautiful set of teeth! However, your work isn’t done quite just yet. After spending significant time and money on your smile, it’s vital that you wear a retainer to protect your investment. With this final step comes some maintenance, which is why your dentist has included the top 4 retainer care tips to make your life easier.

#1. Take Your Retainer Out Before You Eat

Retainers can easily trap plaque and bits of food, which is why you should always take them out before eating. A great way to be ready for your next snack is to carry your retainer case in your pocket wherever you go. Then, if you want to have a tasty bite, simply pop them into their case and enjoy!

#2. Clean First, THEN Store

Before putting your retainer in its case, clean it! If you store your retainer without maintaining it first, bacteria can grow easily inside the dark and potentially damp case. Instead, use a regular toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the retainer. You can also soak it in water mixed with some baking soda to help shake loose lingering food debris and plaque. Keep in mind that if you don’t use your retainer regularly, it’s a good idea to store it somewhere with airflow to keep it fresh and clean.

#3. Skip the Harsh Chemicals

Usually, nonabrasive toothpaste and water are the best cleaning solution for your retainer. However, for pesky plaque or food, you can let your retainer soak, mixing water with baking soda, mild vinegar, or denture tablets. That said, avoid bleach or mouthwash with alcohol. These products may not only damage the plastic on your retainer, but they can also cause your mouth some harm. Additionally, never boil your retainer – this will warp its shape and make it ineffective and even painful to wear.

#4. Remove When Brushing

Brushing your teeth is as important as ever, but you shouldn’t clean your smile while you’re still wearing your retainer. If you do, you’ll miss significant parts of your mouth during brushing while also risking your retainer’s damage or displacement. It’s much easier to remove your retainer, brush and floss, then clean it separately.

Ready to begin the final phase of your orthodontics? With these tips, you can maintain your straight and beautiful results without putting your retainer or oral health at risk!

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Darrick Castleberry proudly offers Invisalign clear braces as well as custom-made retainers to ensure your straight smile. He is a native Houstonian with decades of dental experience that he uses to help his patients achieve the healthy, aligned smiles they’ve always wanted. To learn more about retainers, he can be reached through his website or by phone at (281) 320-9600.