If your orthodontic treatment has come to an end and you can’t stop flashing your pearly whites, the process is not complete yet. You still need to wear the retainers to keep your smile straight. While you are using the retainers, you must care for them properly.
If you think that you can skip wearing the retainers after braces, think again. Your teeth won’t take long to get crooked if you don’t wear a retainer.
Let’s see how you can care for your teeth retainers as long as you have to wear them.
Clean your retainer regularly
Even after your braces come off, you need to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss every day, twice a day. Brush your teeth retainer as well to keep it clean and prevent buildup. Dirty retainers can increase the chances of tooth decay.
You can use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean it. You can even soak it in mouthwash or denture-cleaning tablets. Do not use cleaning agents to clean the retainer as they may contain chemicals like alcohol which can damage the retainer. Never put your retainer in the dishwasher as it will definitely get damaged and warped.
Follow the instructions to wear, clean, and store your retainers
Your orthodontist will recommend the duration of wearing the teeth retainer. In the beginning, you will probably be asked to wear it the entire day, except when the retainers may get damaged like when you play contact sports. In such cases, you will have to wear a mouthguard. After a while, the orthodontist may just ask you to wear the retainers at night.
Always take off the retainers when you eat, if you use removable retainers. Whenever you take off the retainer, keep it in the retainer case immediately. Do not keep it on paper towels, or napkins. Always carry the retainer case with you when you leave the house or travel.
Floss Properly if You are Wearing Fixed Retainers
If you are wearing a fixed retainer, it may be a challenge to clean your teeth as well as the retainer. So what do you do?
Well, a simple and effective solution would be to use a floss threader to floss between your teeth and the retainer wire. You can also use a proxabrush, which looks like a Christmas tree. It can easily clean between the retainers and the teeth.
Properly cleaning between the wires attached to the teeth is important to avoid plaque build-up. If you are still having trouble cleaning the fixed retainer, talk to your orthodontist who will help you out and show you how to keep the teeth and retainers clean.
Final Words
Do not underestimate the importance of retainers. Using them diligently is the final step in your orthodontic treatment. While it may be tempting to skip the retainers after the braces have finally come off, do not do that. Be responsible with the retainers and complete your treatment successfully. You will surely love your new smile.
Author Bio:
Emily Taylor found the perfect fit for herself as the Online Marketing Manager at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno CA as she believes that a great smile does more than just make a person look great – it makes them feel great as well.
