Retainer Care

Many patients will need to wear a retainer after their orthodontic treatment to keep teeth in alignment. Retainer hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth healthy. Taking proper care of your retainer can protect you from tooth decay and gum disease and can help your retainer last for many years. Dr. Barakat highly encourages patients to clean, protect, and wear their retainers every day.

After many months of braces, you are finally done and it is time to start your retainer phase. Your smile is straighter and you have a renewed confidence in your natural smile. Or, maybe your orthodontic needs are minor and a retainer is all you need to realign your teeth.

Retainers are a custom-fit oral appliance that will be worn for several hours a day to help keep your bite aligned and teeth straight. Keeping your retainer clean will help to prevent the spread of bacteria. Cleaning your retainer daily can help to reduce the chances of developing tooth decay or gum disease. A clean retainer will also smell and taste better.

Caring for your Retainer

Retainers are a custom oral appliance and are costly to replace. Taking proper care of your appliance can save you time and money. Dr. Richter will supply you with a retainer case to help protect your appliance when it is not in use. Being diligent about the care of your retainer can help to keep your mouth and your retainer healthy.

Clean Your Retainer

Brushing your retainer every day should become a part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Every time you brush your teeth, you should remove your retainer and brush it as well. Brushing your retainer removes food and plaque that can cause bacteria to build up. Dr. Barakat also recommends soaking the retainer in a denture-cleaning agent at least once a day. Cleaning your retainer can prevent halitosis and help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Protect Your Retainer

• Keep your retainer in its special case when not in use
• Always brush your teeth before wearing your retainer
• Always clean your retainer before putting it in a case
• Clean your retainer with a denture cleaner and warm water

If you have a removable retainer, it will come with a special protective case. Retainers are fragile and costly, the case is designed to protect the retainer. It is important to keep your retainer in its case whenever you are not wearing it. The case will help protect the retainer from breaking as well as helping to keep it clean.

Wear Your Retainer

Now that your braces are off, all you have to do is wear your retainer to keep your beautiful new smile in line. Wearing your retainer for the determined amount of time every day is the best way to protect your investment you made in straightening your teeth.