How to take care of your orthodontic retainers?

Retainers are an important part of keeping your teeth straight and healthy. However, if not cleaned properly, bacteria and plaque can build up on the retainer and transfer onto your teeth leading to tooth decay and cavities.

The common questions which are asked by my patients on the day I plan to give the retainers are:

How long do I have to wear the retainers?

Many people need to wear a retainer for full time for a while, after they have their braces removed. These retainers help in holding your teeth until they become more secure in their new position and allow them to adjust to one another. Some people may need to wear the retainers at night indefinitely to keep their teeth in place.

Do I have to clean my retainers?

The retainers fit against your teeth. So, it quickly accumulates bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Just like you brush your teeth every day, it is important to clean your retainers and the case every day.

How to clean the retainers?

Make sure you clean your retainers as soon as you remove them from your mouth while they are still wet. This will make it easier to clean off any deposits before it hardens. Brush your retainer with a super soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste twice daily. This will help remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of the retainer.

How often should I clean my retainers?

Every time you brush your teeth, you should clean your retainers also.

What happens if I don’t clean my retainers?

Your retainers will keep collecting bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your mouth while you wear them. Over time it may even start to smell if you don’t clean it often enough.

How to take care of the retainers when I am not wearing them?

Store the retainer in its case when not in use to protect it from dirt and dust. Keep your retainers away from pets so they don’t chew them. Be mindful of where you place your retainers while dining in the restaurant. If you place it on a napkin, you may forget to carry them, and it may go into trash.

What all I should avoid with the retainers?

Exposing the retainers to harsh chemicals will ruin them. Keep your retainers away from boiling water.

What do the dirty retainers look like?       

Retainers may have a yellowish tint with an unpleasant appearance. If the retainers give an unpleasant smell, it could be a sign of bacterial build up and you may need to replace the retainers.

Can I use a toothpick to remove the deposits on the retainer?

You should not use toothpick for cleaning your retainers as you may damage them by creating holes in the retainer.

Can I leave my retainers in water overnight?

Avoid soaking the retainers overnight in water. The retainers having the metal component may start showing signs of rusting.

When do I need to replace my retainers?

Retainers are somewhat like contact lenses or shoes. They are subject to daily wear and tear. Eventually they need to be replaced. Contact your orthodontist if you notice your retainer is worn off, having an unpleasant smell or no longer fits properly.

You can schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Seema Bansal for more informantion.