Retainers are painless and relatively easy to wear, but they do require some basic maintenance to ensure they’re effective for as long as you need to wear one.
Congratulations, your orthodontist has just removed your braces. (Or maybe your kids finally had them taken off.)
Your teeth and bite are straight and beautiful. You’ve got the smile you always wanted. And now it’s time to keep them that way.
It’s time to get fitted for your new retainer, an orthodontic appliance that will preserve all the hard work the braces (and you) just performed. And while retainers are painless and pretty easy to wear, you do need to make sure you know how to clean a retainer.
Beyond Brushing: How to Clean a Retainer
Regular brushing of your retainer is a no-brainer. And it’s as simple as picking up a soft brush and using the same toothpaste you already use to brush your teeth. If you can keep up this regimen each time you brush your teeth – hopefully at least twice a day – then you’ll be able to keep it clean and bright with minimal effort.
Sometimes, retainers can collect little mineral deposits that can easily be remedied by dunking the appliance in white vinegar for about 15 minutes. There are other retainer-cleaning solutions on the market; just be sure to ask your orthodontist if there is a particular brand he or she recommends.
Just as critical to knowing how to clean a retainer is learning about proper storage. It sounds easy: simply placing a retainer in a clean case when you’re not wearing it. But you’d be surprised just where a retainer can end up: in a pocket, backpack – or worse – on a napkin or food wrapper that’s just been dumped in the trash. Dumpster diving for orthodontic appliances is never fun.
Other Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Because retainers are a custom built piece of technology, they’re more expensive to replace than a toothbrush. In addition to keeping up the consistent cleaning, there are a few other hazards you should be on the lookout for in order to keep your retainer safe and sound as long as you require treatment.
First, keep an eye on the family dog and all those neighborhood cats. Removable dental appliances smell like food – and they smell like you. And pets like to slobber all over both.
Next, keep that retainer out of extreme heat. We’re not suggesting you would toss it in the oven or microwave simply because you didn’t know better. But everything from a car dashboard on a sunny day to hot water and even the dishwasher have proven to render retainers useless.
Now you know how to clean a retainer – and why it’s so important to keep it safe when you’re not using it. The last tip you need to know is to make sure you bring it with you for all future orthodontist visits. Follow these tips, and you (or your children) will have straight teeth and a perfect smile for life.
Do you have any tips to share on keeping retainers clean and safe?
For more money-saving tips, download our guide to paying for braces.
