Extend The Lifespan Of Your Retainer With These Simple Tips

Posted on: 27 January 2015

After getting your teeth straightened with braces or simply as a way to help straighten your teeth slightly, your dentist may recommend you use a retainer. While retainers can be quite comfortable when worn regularly and are discrete in appearance, there are a number of things that you need to be aware of before beginning to use one.

With the following tips in mind, you'll be able to ensure that your retainer will last for many years to come without any issues.

Make a Habit of Cleaning Regularly

Whenever you brush your teeth, it's a good idea to remove your retainer and clean it as well. Simply brushing it gently is the recommended method of cleaning, allowing you to keep plaque and any odors away from it. Along with brushing the retainer, it's helpful to soak it in a denture cleanser or alcohol-free mouthwash on a nightly basis for a deep clean.

Take Care When Placing in Storage

While you'll likely be wearing your retainer for most of your day and night, there are times when you'll want to remove it. This could be due to eating or because of sports that you play. Whatever the reason may be, you'll want to have a sturdy retainer case that can keep it safe when not in use.

Placing the case somewhere safe can help prevent it from getting misplaced or damaged.

Avoid Leaving the Retainer Near Heat

A common problem seem with retainers is that they're very sensitive to heat, resulting in them melting to a point of no repair if left outside, in a car, or near a window. Being careful to keep your retainer away from these areas can help make all the difference in the lifespan of your retainer.

Visit the Dentist for Any Repairs

If you've noticed that your retainer isn't fitting snugly due to not wearing it as often as you should or that it's cracked due to mishandling, you'll want to make an appointment with a dentist, such as Family First Dentistry LLC, right away. Getting any necessary repairs taken care of can help ensure that you'll be wearing your retainer as soon as possible again.

With all the benefits that retainers can offer your teeth and the sometimes high cost of getting a custom one made, it makes sense why you want to be extra careful handling it. By learning about how to keep your retainer clean and preventing any unnecessary damage, you can enjoy using your retainer for years to follow.

Share

Anyone who provides a service specifically for the youngest among us knows that treating kids must be approached very differently from treating adults. Children are not like adult patients. They require a dental team that makes children feel safe and secure at every appointment. The pediatric dental staff also needs to understand how to work with parents as well as young patients. As a pediatric dental hygienist and a mom, I understand that specific needs of children when they are visiting the dentist. This blog will explain exactly what kids need from a dental staff and will give options for making the dental office a welcoming environment to children. We can give a whole new generation healthy smiles by making pediatric dentistry the best it can be.