Keeping your retainer safe so you can wear it consistently is a critical part of the success of your orthodontic treatment. The good thing is that having braces has already prepared you for the responsibility of maintaining proper oral hygiene and keeping your mouth safe; wearing a retainer is just the next step in the process.
Why Do You Have to Wear a Retainer?
A retainer is an important part of your orthodontic treatment after your braces have come off, so taking care of your retainer should be a priority. It’s important to adhere to your orthodontist’s instructions and wear your retainer for the recommended time every day. Failure to wear your retainer can result in your teeth shifting back to where they were before you got braces. No matter how long you had your braces on, your teeth can still shift.
Keep Your Retainer in a Designated Place
Your orthodontist will give you a hard container to keep your retainer in. It’s important to carry this container with you at all times. This way you can put your retainer in the container whenever you aren’t wearing it to avoid misplacing it or throwing it away.
If you always keep your retainer in its container, you’ll never have to search for it when it comes time to put it back in your mouth. While it might seem convenient to wrap your retainer in a napkin or set it on your lunch tray at school, this can make it easier for your retainer to get thrown away with other trash. If you lose your retainer, it can be costly to replace.
How to Keep Your Retainer Clean
Think about the good oral hygiene habits you developed when you had braces. You can apply those same habits to cleaning your retainers. By cleaning your retainer regularly, you’ll prevent bacteria from growing on it. Here are some tips for cleaning your retainer:
- Avoid brushing it harshly
- Keep it moist
- Soak it in Efferdent once per week
It’s also a good idea to clean your retainer once every day and after meals. Even though you won’t eat with your retainer in your mouth, food particles stuck in your teeth can find their way onto your retainer.
Retainers Help Maintain a Perfect Smile
Your retainer plays a crucial role in maintaining the perfect smile you achieved through braces; if you take care of it appropriately, it will do its job for years to come.
At Charleston Orthodontic Specialists, we’re excited to get started on your orthodontic treatment plan! Call (843) 4-BRACES to get in touch today.
