You may not think much about putting your retainer in – until you experience difficulties or damage your retainer, at which point it’s too late! Here’s everything you need to know about putting in a retainer the right way. By following these tips, you can keep your retainer protected so that it keeps your teeth aligned for years to come.
Should I push my retainer in?
Yes, the best way to place your retainer on your teeth is by gently pushing it in with your fingers. You should not bite down on your retainer, as this can damage the retainer if it’s not properly aligned before doing so. However, you should not force your retainer in if it doesn’t fit properly. This could also damage your retainer.
Should I wear my retainer if I haven’t worn it in a while?
Yes, retainers should be worn as often as possible until your orthodontist indicates that you can wear them at infrequent intervals. Most patients start by wearing their retainers every day and night, and later reduce usage to only at night. Over time, patients may be able to wear their retainer every other night or even less often. If you miss days where you should be wearing a retainer, you should definitely wear it to prevent your teeth from moving. However, if you find that the retainer no longer fits the teeth properly, you should not force it in!
Should I brush my teeth before putting my retainer in?
Yes, patients are encouraged to brush their teeth before putting the retainer in, especially between meals. Without brushing your teeth beforehand, you may have bacteria or food debris in the teeth. This can cause the buildup of plaque, which can be worsened when the retainer is in. Ultimately, keeping the teeth cleaned, particularly through brushing and flossing, will help keep the teeth healthy throughout your retainer use.
Should I force my teeth into my retainer?
No, you should never force your teeth into a retainer if it doesn’t fit smoothly. Doing so can cause the retainer to warp, bend or completely snap, at which point it will no longer keep your teeth in the optimal position. If you find that your retainer no longer fits the teeth, you should take it to your orthodontist. They may be able to adjust the retainer so that it fits better, or create a new retainer with a better fit. In some cases, if your teeth have moved significantly, braces or aligners may be needed to restore the alignment of the teeth.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your retainer or need advice on how to properly care for it, contact us today at Drs. Savage, Sabol and Visser. We offer retainers, braces, Invisalign and more to help patients achieve perfect smiles.
