Caring for your clear removable retainer

The importance of retainers extends beyond just maintaining alignment. They also contribute to overall oral health. By keeping the teeth in their intended positions after your orthodontic treatment, retainers help to prevent issues such as uneven wear and tear, which can lead to further dental complications. With proper use, retainers can be a reliable partner in your journey to sustaining a healthy and beautiful smile. Let's dive into how we can care for our retainers and ensure its longevity!

Understanding the need for retainers

Ever wondered why wearing retainers is so important? Picture this: when you stretch a rubber band and let it go, it naturally snaps back to its original shape. The same principle applies to your teeth! After being aligned into their ideal position, the fibers around your teeth behave like those stretched rubber bands. Once orthodontic wires or Invisalign aligners are removed, these fibers, guided by muscle memory, may pull the teeth back to their previous original positions. This phenomenon, known as 'relapse,' is what retainers are designed to prevent. They help keep your beautifully straightened teeth securely in place, ensuring your smile stays just as you envisioned.

How are the clear retainers different from the others?

When it comes to retainers, one size does not fit all. Depending upon the flexibility of use and lifestyle preferences, you may choose between removable and fixed retainers. Removable retainers such as the clear retainer or the Hawley retainer are easy to use and can be removed while having food. The other type of retainer, include permanent retainers such as lingual retainer wire, which are designed to hold your front teeth in place permanently. Bonded wire retainers are fixed to the back of your teeth, which may pose a minor challenge in maintaining cleanliness between the teeth. In contrast, removable retainers facilitate easier access for maintaining optimal oral hygiene. For those who prefer a less noticeable option, these clear removable retainers are available.  

Retainers offer crucial support in maintaining your oral health, but it's important to properly care for them. To prevent issues like teeth grinding, it's essential to wear retainers as prescribed.

How do you care for your retainers?

Caring and daily cleaning of your retainers is just as important as wearing them. Proper care and consistent cleaning routine prevents the buildup of bacteria and plaque, ensuring your retainers remain effective and hygienic. Here are some steps to help you enhance your retainer care.

1)Rinse It

Start by rinsing your retainer with cool water or lukewarm water immediately after removal. This simple step prevents debris from hardening on the surface. Avoid using hot water, as it will warp the retainers and affect their fit.

2)Post-Meal Brush

After meals, use a separate toothbrush to brush your retainer in cold water with soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap. Avoid using toothpaste with abrasives. Flossing or interdental brush may help in removing food debris between the teeth before wearing your retainers back. This reduces the chances of food particles accumulating between your teeth leading increase chances of tooth decay.

3)Gentle Clean

Use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft toothbrush for a gentle clean. Do not use hydrogen peroxide to clean your retainers. Even though hydrogen peroxide helps reduce bad bacteria, it can kill other essential bacterial in the oral microbiome.

4)Get in the Grooves

For clear plastic retainers, a cotton swab helps reach those tricky spots.

5)Spa Time

Treat your retainer to a refreshing soak with a denture or retainer cleaning tablets once a week for about 15-20 minutes in cool water. Do not soak for longer as the material may deteriorate.

6)Retainer box

These clear retainers are easily misplaced due to its invisible nature. In order to keep the clear retainer safe, it is advised to store them in their box instead of wrapping them in tissue paper or towels.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Retainers

• Wear Time: For optimal results, wear your retainers every night for at least 8 hours per day—ideally 12 hours to ensure maximum retention and stability. It is advised to wear retainers everyday for the first year. This way it gives the teeth some adjustment period to adapt to its ideal position.
• Removal: It’s normal for new retainers to feel snug initially. Gently loosen them from both sides when removing to avoid unnecessary stress that could cause cracks or damage over time.
• Eating: Always remove your retainers before eating or drinking, especially when consuming staining foods and beverages like curry, coffee, tea, or wine. Make sure to rinse your mouth before placing your retainers back.
• Movement: If your teeth feel tight or seem to shift when you wear your retainers, consider increasing your wear time each day to help stabilize them effectively.
• Breakage: Should your retainers develop cracks, loose parts, or break, contact us right away. We’ll ensure replacements are made promptly to prevent any unwanted tooth movement. If possible, wear your retainers before your appointment for a new scan. 

Related Articles:

• Are Clear Retainers Really The Best Type Of Retainers in 2024?
• Retainers for children: How to make your kids love wearing retainers

Conclusion

Clear retainers typically last 1-2 years before they should be replaced. If you notice holes appearing on your retainers, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep. You might want to discuss a nightguard replacement on your next visit with your doctor.

Need Replacement Retainers?

We've got you covered! Just send us a message, and we can create a new retainer that fits just like your previous one. For more details, visit our Retainer Page.

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