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Schmitt Orthodontics

The Smile Experts in Henderson, NC

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Retainer Care Made Easy

Ensuring your retainer lasts for a long time is by taking good care of it!

Your orthodontic care doesn’t stop the day you stop wearing your braces. The day you say goodbye to your braces is the day you usher in retainers. You’ll be required to wear retainers for some time after getting your braces to help your teeth adjust to their new position. Retainer Care Made Easy

Keep in mind that the teeth weren’t set in a rigid environment and even after they have been corrected by the braces, they can still shift over time. However, the only way of ensuring that your teeth retainer lasts for a long time is by taking good care of it. Here are some tips to help ease retainer care.

Remove Your Retainers When Brushing

Avoid brushing your teeth without removing your retainer since you will end up missing large sections of your mouth. Furthermore, your toothbrush may inadvertently displace the teeth retainer from its position which can be catastrophic. Always brush and floss frequently but after you have removed your valuable retainer. Clean the retainer separately before putting it back into place.

Clean Your Retainer and Take It Out Before You EatRetainer Care Made Easy

Retainer care is important to avoid undergoing the same treatment again. Brush your retainers each time you brush your teeth and do so carefully to avoid causing problems. Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to clean them and rinse well before putting them back to your mouth. Experts also recommend that you should remove your retainer before taking your meals so that it doesn’t trap food, bacteria, and plaque.

Never Use Hot Water to Wash the Retainer

Never use hot water to wash and rinse your retainer since it may distort the acrylic or plastic. If this happens, the retainer may expand and will not fit in your mouth making it useless. Always use cold water to clean your retainer to prevent such things from occurring.

If you have more specific questions about your retainer or retainer care, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Filed Under: Retention

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American Association of Orthodontics
North Carolina Dental Society
Midwestern Society of Orthodontics
American Dental Association

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