Maya Ellison
Retainers are custom-made devices worn in the mouth to keep teeth in their new, correct position after braces. They are typically made of plastic or acrylic and require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal oral hygiene. This includes brushing the retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinsing it with distilled water, avoiding the use of toothpaste which can be abrasive and damage the plastic. Soaking the retainer in distilled water or a diluted mouthwash solution can also help keep it clean and prevent bacterial buildup. It is important to store retainers in a protective case when not in use, avoid exposing them to direct heat or chlorinated water, and handle them with care to prevent damage. Regular follow-ups with orthodontists are recommended to monitor retainer fit and condition, and replacements may be needed over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean retainers. |
| Toothpaste can be too abrasive and should be avoided. | |
| Soak retainers in retainer cleaner or diluted mouthwash. | |
| Avoid using bleach or mouthwash. | |
| Clean retainers at least once a day. | |
| Do not eat or drink anything other than water while wearing a retainer. | |
| Do not leave a retainer out of your mouth or wrapped in a tissue, as it can dry out and become prone to breakage and plaque. | |
| Usage | Do not bite down too hard or grind your teeth while wearing a retainer. |
| Avoid twisting or pulling retainers with your tongue when removing them. | |
| Do not wear retainers while playing contact sports or swimming. | |
| Avoid direct heat and boiling water, as retainers can melt or warp. | |
| Maintenance | Regularly check for holes or scratches, and replace when necessary. |
| Consult a dentist or orthodontist for specific care instructions and cleaning products. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cleaning: scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush and distilled water, avoiding toothpaste
- Avoid heat: don't expose to sunlight, boiling water, or chlorinated pools
- Storage: keep retainers in a protective case to prevent damage and loss
- Maintenance: regularly check for scratches, holes, and warping
- Oral hygiene: always remove before eating or drinking anything other than water
Cleaning: scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush and distilled water, avoiding toothpaste
It is important to clean your retainer regularly, just like your teeth. A good time to do this is when you brush your teeth, as any bacteria that builds up on teeth can also grow on a retainer.
To clean your retainer, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and distilled water. Avoid toothpaste, as this can be too abrasive and may scratch or dull the plastic. Toothpaste can also leave scratches that make it harder to keep your retainer clean, as well as erode the plastic. Gently scrub your retainer with the soft-bristled toothbrush and distilled water. After scrubbing, rinse the retainer with water before putting it back in your mouth or storing it in its case.
It is also important to keep your retainer case clean, so no dirt or dust touches your retainer. You should also avoid putting your retainer in the dishwasher, as this can damage it. Instead, wash it by hand in your bathroom sink.
You can also soak your retainer in distilled water for five to ten minutes to keep it extra clean. If your retainer is particularly dirty, a soak can help wash away any grime. You can also buy retainer cleaner and soak your retainer in a small tray.
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Avoid heat: don't expose to sunlight, boiling water, or chlorinated pools
Plastic retainers are prone to warping and discolouration over time. To avoid this, it is important to avoid exposing your retainer to direct heat.
Do not leave your retainer in a hot car or rinse it with very hot water. Boiling water can melt or warp the plastic. If you need to rinse or soak your retainer, use cold or lukewarm water.
Sunlight can also damage your retainer, so do not leave it out in the sun or in a sunny spot. Keep it in a protective case when you are not wearing it, and store the case somewhere safe and cool.
Chlorinated water can also damage your retainer, so it is best not to swim with your retainer in your mouth. If you do swim with your retainer, be aware that it may be more prone to damage or discolouration over time.
By avoiding heat and chlorine, you can help keep your retainer in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
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Storage: keep retainers in a protective case to prevent damage and loss
Retainers are custom-made devices worn in the mouth to help keep teeth in their new, correct positions after braces. They can be made of plastic or a combination of metal wire and plastic. A well-made retainer can deteriorate over time, especially if it's well-worn, so it's important to take good care of it.
It is important to store your retainer in a protective case to prevent damage and loss. Leaving your retainer out or wrapped in a tissue or napkin can cause it to dry out, making it more prone to breakage and plaque. If you have a pet, especially a dog, they may be tempted to chew on an unprotected retainer, causing severe damage.
Chlorinated water can damage the plastic of a retainer, so it is not advisable to swim with it in your mouth. If you take your retainer off before swimming, be sure to store it in its case to avoid losing it.
Leaving your retainer inside a hot car or rinsing or soaking it in very hot water can cause it to warp out of shape. Direct sunlight may also cause similar damage. Always store your retainer in a protective case to avoid exposing it to high temperatures.
If your retainer is damaged, broken, or lost, contact your orthodontist to get a new one made.
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Maintenance: regularly check for scratches, holes, and warping
Plastic retainers are prone to scratches, holes, and warping, so it's important to regularly check for these signs of deterioration.
To prevent scratches, avoid using toothpaste to clean your retainer, as it can be too abrasive and leave scratches that make it harder to keep your retainer clean. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub your retainer with a very small amount of toothpaste or baking soda. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly afterward.
Holes can form in your retainer over time, especially if it's well-worn. If you notice holes or significant scratches, it may be time to get a new retainer. Consult with your orthodontist if you're unsure whether your retainer needs to be replaced.
Retainers can also warp from exposure to high temperatures or direct heat, such as sunlight or boiling water. Avoid rinsing or soaking your retainer in very hot water, and never leave it in a hot car. Chlorinated water can also damage the plastic, so it's best not to swim with your retainer in your mouth.
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Oral hygiene: always remove before eating or drinking anything other than water
To ensure good oral hygiene, it is important to always remove your retainer before eating or drinking anything other than water. This is because food debris, bacteria, and plaque can accumulate on your retainer, which can then be transferred to your teeth, leading to tartar, tooth decay, and cavities.
Food and drink can also damage your retainer. The force of chewing can easily bend the wires out of shape, and sugary drinks can affect a retainer just as they affect your teeth. If you are drinking something sugary, you should take your retainer out before enjoying it.
It is also important to note that retainers can be damaged by hot drinks, as well as by chlorinated water, so you should not wear your retainer while swimming.
If you are wearing your retainer for most of the day, as many people are instructed to do, you should still remove it before eating or drinking anything other than water. This is to ensure that you are not damaging your retainer or your teeth.
To keep your retainer fresh and prevent bacterial buildup, you should rinse it before putting it back in your mouth after eating or drinking.
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Frequently asked questions
You should clean your retainer at least once a day. It is recommended to clean it every time you brush your teeth.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and distilled water to clean your retainer. You can use a very small amount of toothpaste, but some sources advise against this as toothpaste can be abrasive and leave scratches. Alternatively, you can use baking soda or retainer cleaning solutions.
Always store your retainer in a protective case to prevent it from getting lost, damaged, or dirty.
A well-made retainer can deteriorate over time, especially if it is well-worn. Look out for holes or scratches on your retainer, which may indicate that it needs to be replaced. If you are unsure, consult your orthodontist.
Yes, you should avoid playing contact sports, swimming, and eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing your retainer. Chewing gum and biting down too hard or grinding your teeth can also damage your retainer.
