Have you heard of orthodontic relapse? In short, it’s the phenomenon where teeth move out of their perfectly aligned positions in the months or years following orthodontic treatment. While this does happen to upwards of 50% of patients, don’t get discouraged. After all, there’s one way you can dramatically reduce the chances of that happening: wearing your retainer as instructed. With this in mind, keep reading to learn how to take care of your retainer so it lasts and, in turn, your teeth stay where they should.
1. Consistently Clean Your Retainer
Just like you need to clean your teeth to keep them decay-free, you need to clean your retainer to keep them in pristine condition. The first step is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to remove plaque, saliva, and other debris from the surface. Then, gently rinse your retainer with clean water and, if necessary, repeat the process over again.
2. Be Mindful of Heat
Whether you have a Hawley retainer or an invisible retainer, it’s important that you don’t use hot water to clean them since doing so can cause them to warp. For the same reason, you shouldn’t leave it anywhere it can be exposed to heat, like in the center console of your car.
3. Don’t Put Your Retainer in a Napkin
Many patients are tempted to wrap their retainer in a napkin or leave it out on the counter. However, these are the two easiest ways for them to accidentally get thrown away or misplaced. So, get in the habit of putting them in their designated case instead!
4. Schedule Check-In Visits with Your Orthodontist
In addition to visiting your dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning, it’s important to schedule check-in visits with your orthodontist. That way, they can clean your retainer, make sure it’s in good condition, and ensure that it fits properly. If there is a small chip or crack, they can repair it right away, saving you from an orthodontic emergency.
About the Practice
At Smiles by Palmer Orthodontics, the goal with each patient is the same: to give them a healthy, beautiful smile that they love. Of course, we also want them to enjoy the results of all the hard work they put in during their orthodontic treatment for life too! That’s why we provide custom orthodontic care and custom retainers. If you are interested in learning more about either one, get in touch with us via our website or call one of our conveniently located offices in your area.