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Did you recently complete your Invisalign journey? Or perhaps you just got your traditional metal braces off. Well, congratulations on that beautiful smile! Now that you have straighter teeth, it's time to learn how to keep them that way.
Maintaining your straight teeth requires some ongoing care, particularly with the use of orthodontic retainers. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to maintain your newly aligned teeth and ensure your retainer stays in top shape to give you that confident smile.
Why are retainers necessary?
After your teeth have been guided into their new positions, they need time to settle. The supporting structures of your teeth, which includes the bones, gums and muscles, are still adapting to these changes. This means that your teeth have a natural tendency to drift back to their original positions. This is where orthodontic retainers come in as part of your treatment plan.
Straightening your teeth has become easier with modern treatment options like aligners, which are virtually invisible and offer a convenient alternative to traditional braces. Aligners gradually move misaligned teeth into the desired position, with treatment times and duration depending on the complexity of your case. Without proper care, all the hard work of your orthodontic treatment (such as removable aligners or traditional braces) could be undone.
Wearing a retainer ensures that teeth stay in their correct positions, preventing the need for additional orthodontic treatment. Let's look at what you can do to keep those pearly whites straight for a long, long time!
What are the different types of retainers?
The types of retainers generally fall into two main categories: fixed retainers and removable retainers. Fixed or permanent retainers are attached to your teeth and stay in place all the time so you don’t have to worry about taking them out. Typically, a thin wire will be glued to the back of your teeth to retain them in their proper position.
Removable retainers, on the other hand, can be taken out whenever you need to. They’re often made of clear plastic or acrylic and fit over your teeth. Both kinds help keep your teeth from shifting back after your orthodontic treatment. Read about the different types (clear retainer, Hawley retainer and permanent retainers) here. For the sake of this article, we will be talking about how to care for your removable retainers.
How do I keep my clear retainers clean?
Just as you kept your clear aligners clean, it's crucial to keep your retainers clean too!
1) Rinse and Brush
One of the simplest dental hygiene habits you can develop is rinsing and brushing your retainer regularly. After removing your retainer from your mouth, immediately rinse it with cold water to prevent food debris from hardening. Cold water or even lukewarm water is essential here. But it is important not to use hot water as hot water can warp the material of your retainer and compromise its fit. Remember to brush and floss regularly during treatment to maintain oral hygiene until the treatment is complete.
After meals, make sure to brush your retainer with cold water using a soft toothbrush. Just as you brush your teeth as part of your oral hygiene routine, your retainer needs the same gentle care to stay clean and functional.
2) Clean with non-abrasive toothpaste
For a deeper clean, use a non-abrasive toothpaste together with your soft-bristled toothbrush. Abrasive cleaning agents can scratch the surface of your retainer, creating grooves where buildup of bacteria occurs.
Therefore, only use non-abrasive toothpaste, paying extra attention to those tricky spots, especially in clear plastic retainers. You can also use a cotton swab to reach areas that a regular toothbrush might miss.
3) Weekly Soak
In addition to daily brushing, giving your retainer a weekly soak can keep it in optimal condition. Soak it for 15-20 minutes in cool water mixed with a denture or retainer cleaning tablet. This process helps to break down any stubborn plaque buildup or bacterial buildup that brushing alone might not remove. However, be sure to avoid soaking for too long, as this can lead to material deterioration over time.
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Essential Retainer Care and Wear Guidelines
Wear Time
Your retainer is most effective when worn consistently. Aim to wear your retainer for at least 8 hours per day. Ideally, wearing the retainer at night for 12 hours can ensure that your teeth stay in their correct positions.
Removal
It’s normal for new retainers to feel a bit tight at first. However, be gentle when removing the retainers to avoid bending or cracking the material. Always remove it by gently pulling from both sides rather than using one side as leverage.
Adjustment
If you notice your teeth feeling tight or if they start to shift slightly, this may be a signal to increase the time you wear your retainer each day. This additional wear time can help to stabilise your teeth and prevent any unwanted movement. Remember, consistency is key in this post-aligner phase.
Care for Breakages
Retainers are durable but they’re not indestructible. If you notice any cracks, loose parts or if your retainer breaks, contact your dental clinic immediately to get a new one. It’s important not to wait too long to get a replacement because your teeth can start to shift without the retainer's support.
Storage
Be sure to let your retainer air-dry completely before storing it. Moisture can create an ideal environment for buildup of bacteria, so it’s essential to ensure your retainer is thoroughly dry. After it’s dry, always place it in its protective case. This helps prevent bacterial growth and also safeguards your retainer from getting lost or damaged.
Avoid placing your retainer on disposable items like tissue paper, as it’s easy to forget it’s there and accidentally throw it away along with the tissue!
Some Extra Tips and Considerations!
Grinding and Nightguards
If you notice holes or significant wear on your retainer, it could be a sign that you’re grinding your teeth at night—a condition known as bruxism. Grinding can cause severe damage to your teeth and your retainer, so it’s essential to address it as soon as possible. Your dentist might recommend a nightguard to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding.
Dietary Considerations
Your dietary choices play a crucial role in maintaining your dental health, especially after completing orthodontic treatment, be it with traditional braces or Invisalign. The foods and drinks you consume can either support a healthy oral environment or potentially compromise the hard-earned results of your straight smile.
Foods to Avoid: Its important to be cautious about what you eat in order to maintain your straight teeth. Some foods are particularly harmful and can undo the progress you've made through orthodontic treatment.
For example, sticky food and acidic food provide an ideal environment for bacteria buildup, leading to dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. It is best to avoid them to protect your oral health and ensure your teeth remain in their correct positions.
Foods That Support Oral Health: In contrast, there are plenty of options that can support your dental health. Incorporating these into your diet can make it easier to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment.
For example, crunchy vegetables can act as natural toothbrushes, keeping your gums healthy, therefore helping to reduce the buildup of food particles. Opt for foods that are beneficial for your oral health to complement your efforts in preserving your straight smile.
Regular Check-Ups and Dental Cleanings
At the end of the day, regular dental check-ups and strict oral hygiene habits are crucial to ensuring the long-term health of your teeth and gums. While eating the right foods can definitely support your oral health, it’s essential to pair this with consistent brushing, flossing and professional cleanings.
By combining a healthy diet with good oral care practices and routine follow-up appointments, you'll help keep a healthier smile for years to come.
Conclusion
Maintaining a straight smile is an ongoing commitment. Retainers are an important part of your orthodontic treatment plan, be it following traditional braces or clear aligners. By following these tips for retainer care, you can ensure beautifully straight positions for years to come. Remember, your retainer is your partner in keeping that beautiful smile in check, so treat it with care. Here’s to a straighter smile that is as bright as the day your aligners came off!
Interested in book a dental appointment with us? We provide orthodontic treatment with traditional braces as well as removable clear aligners (Invisalign) to fix crooked teeth or misaligned teeth. Simply drop us a message here and we will be happy to help!
WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092
References
- Giancotti, A., Mozzicato, P., & Mampieri, G. (2020). Thermoformed Retainer: An Effective Option for Long‐Term Stability. Case Reports in Dentistry, 2020(1), 8861653.
- Pacheco-Pereira, C., Brandelli, J., & Flores-Mir, C. (2018). Patient satisfaction and quality of life changes after Invisalign treatment. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 153(6), 834-841.