Getting your retainer is an important step in creating your beautiful smile, but it’s not something to take on lightly.
It might seem like a small price to pay for that perfect smile, but taking care of your retainer is a commitment. Not properly caring for your retainer could cause you to have to wear your braces again.
So, here are some important tips to help you keep your retainer in place, and ensure you don’t have to wear braces again.
1) Find the Right Fit
One of the most important things you need to do once you’ve got your retainer is to make sure it fits. Not getting the right fit means it might not fit properly, and that could cause your teeth to move again.
You’ll want to look closely at the instructions that come with your retainer. Most likely, you will have to make a small adjustment to make sure it fits right.
2) Keep Your Retainer Clean
Like your teeth, it’s important to keep your retainer clean. This is especially true if you have braces on. Braces have a tendency to break down, and a small piece of food or debris can get stuck in there. This can cause a bacterial infection, and you might have to go back in for cleaning.
To keep your retainer nice and clean, you want to clean it after every use. This means you should brush it with some warm water to remove any food or debris that might be stuck in there.
3) Keep It Away From Heat
One of the most important things you need to remember when you’re taking care of your retainer is to keep it away from heat.
This will help to prevent your retainer from breaking down. If you have a retainer that is made out of plastic, it can melt if you leave it near a heat source.
So, keep it away from any heat sources, like the stove or the grill. You probably don’t want to put your retainer anywhere near the oven.
4) Store It Somewhere Safe and Dry
You also want to make sure you store your retainer somewhere safe and dry. Storing it near moisture can cause it to break down, and you’ll have to invest in a new one. If you have your retainer in a case, just make sure it’s in a dry place. This will help to keep it safe from moisture and germs.
After you’ve finished caring for your retainer, make sure you take it out. Make sure you take out your retainer before you head to bed, to keep it safe and clean.
5) Be Mindful of Loosening Your Retainer
One of the most common problems with your retainer is being overzealous when eating. If you’re afraid that you’re going to break your retainer, or you’re worried about losing it, you might not put it back in your mouth.
This is a big problem because if you take it out of your mouth too often, it can loosen fast. So, make sure you’re careful about how you treat your retainer.
Conclusion
Keeping your retainer is the best way to ensure your teeth stay where they are supposed to be, and it can often save you from having to get braces again.
Get your retainer fitted on by professionals. Solarte Orthodontics is a family orthodontist in Manassas that can help you bring back your smile. Contact us today to learn more.
