Before you jump into life with a retainer, it’s essential that you know how to store it properly. If you fail to do so, you could damage or lose your retainer – reversing your progress. In worst case scenarios, your teeth could even shift enough to require additional braces treatments. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about storing a retainer.
Should I keep my retainer in water when I’m not wearing it?
Yes! Keeping your retainer in water when you’re not wearing it can be a great way to keep the material from cracking or getting too dry. While it may not be practical to have a cup of water around everytime you remove your retainer, you may want to do this overnight if you don’t need to wear your retainer at night. In fact, soaking your retainer can even help keep your retainer clean and free from bacteria. Don’t forget to clean it and dry it before putting it back in or storing it in its case!
How do you store clear plastic retainers?
The best way to store clear plastic retainers is in the case they came with. The rigid cases protect your retainers from getting crushed, bent, snapped or otherwise damaged. It is the only way you should store your retainer when it’s not in your mouth, unless you’re soaking the retainer in water. Conversely, you should never store your retainer loose in your pocket, wrapped in a tissue or with any other methods. These increase the likelihood that your retainer could become damaged or exposed to germs and bacteria.
How do you clean and store retainers?
To clean your retainer, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and cool water. Firm toothbrushes and abrasive cleaners can scratch or damage the retainer, while warm or hot water can cause the retainer to bend and warp. You shouldn’t use toothpaste either, as it can also damage the retainer! Instead, using a mixture of baking soda and water or a mild dish soap. This should be plenty strong enough to eliminate bacteria from the retainer without damaging the materials.
How long can you keep retainers out?
If you’re just getting started with your retainer, you should minimize the amount of time you keep it out of your mouth. Even just a few days without your retainer can allow the teeth to shift out of place! Your orthodontist will give you guidelines for how long to wear your retainer, but at the beginning of your treatment, you should expect to wear your retainer at all times – only removing it to eat, brush and floss. After months or years of strict retainer use, you can begin to wear the retainer only at nighttime, and subsequently, every other night or perhaps less frequently. However, this timeline will vary for each patient, so you should follow the personalized schedule provided by your orthodontist.
To learn more about life with a retainer, contact us today at Drs. Savage, Sabol and Visser, the leading orthodontists in Virginia Beach, VA.
