After finally getting your braces off, you get a custom retainer to wear throughout the day or just at night. It can be a pain, literally, to have to wear, care for, and get adjustments on your retainer, but here are some tips on how to maintain it. Retainers are essentially devices that are molded to your mouth, with the purpose of keeping your teeth in place so they don’t start to shift again. This custom-made, removable appliance helps teeth keep their new position after braces have been removed, according to Web MD.
- Wear your retainer as directed. Whether your orthodontist wants you to wear your retainer all day long, for a few hours during the day, or just at night, follow his or her instructions. It may be inconvenient, but we promise: no one is trying to torture you! There are good reasons why your doctor wants you to wear it for the prescribed amount of hours, so be careful to follow these directions.
- Care for it correctly when eating. First off, never eat with your retainer in, and rinse it every day before storing it. Once a week, clean it in an approved denture or retainer cleaning solution, or even a simple mixture of baking soda and water. Using cool water, brush your retainer with toothpaste gently at bedtime or in the morning.
- Store your retainer in its proper place. Never fold it up in a napkin while eating, as you may forget and throw it out. Don’t just leave it on your bedside table, either, which can dry it out and also increase the probability it gets thrown away or knocked off and damaged. Pets and siblings can also get to your retainer and damage it. Don’t ever put it in the dishwasher, which can cause warping.
- Don’t skip nights. While one night off shouldn’t do any damage, skipping several nights in a row can lead to shifting of the teeth.
- Go to the orthodontist for regular retainer checks. This allows your doctor to ensure the device is working as it should so he or she can make adjustments as needed. If you neglect these visits, you could be working against yourself with a device that isn’t tight enough, too tight, broken, or even no longer necessary. These retainer checks give your doctor a good indication of how much longer you’ll need treatment.
Worried about how you will afford braces and retainers? Call Drs. Savage, Sabol and Visser to learn more about the office’s many different payment options. We can assist you in choosing the one most suitable for you by arranging for convenient and affordable financing.
