It is time to celebrate! Your braces are off and your teeth are looking dope, but you’re not quite done yet. Dr. Meredith Parks has custom-made you a retainer that will be worn per her instructions (usually nightly). Your new appliance will need to be cleaned and cared for so you can maintain the beautiful smile you have achieved. If your retainer is not cleaned, dry saliva will cause tartar buildup on your retainer compromising your healthy, clean smile. Parks Orthodontics shares some retainer cleaning tips so that you can keep your appliance shiny clean!
Cleaning Your Retainer
The most recommended method for cleaning your retainer is:
Toothbrush And Toothpaste: While brushing your teeth at night, feel free to put a small dab of toothpaste on your retainer and brush away the saliva and bacteria. If you do this every night and then set your retainer in distilled water, your retainer should stay clean.
Baking Soda: There are other options if you feel that toothpaste and toothbrush are not effectively cleaning your retainers. Soaking your retainer in a solution of cool water and baking soda is very useful in cleaning dental appliances. It will also help reduce the odor. Don’t use hot water, as it can distort the shape of your retainer.
Cleaning Don’ts
Cleaning your retainer should not be a complicated or intense process. Make sure you DO NOT:
- Boil your retainer or put it in the dishwasher. This will warp and shrink your retainer to the point that you can no longer use it.
- Use alcohol based products. Alcohol based products will dry your retainer and eventually cause it to crack.
- Use multi-purpose cleaners or bleach. These have harmful toxins that can damage the metal and acrylic properties of your retainer. It is healthier for you if avoid harmful and poisonous toxins.
So Long, Farewell…
Not quite! You have worked so hard to get to this point. You will still need retainer checks at Parks Orthodontics to make sure your teeth are still in their optimum alignment. If you have any questions or feel that you need a little help with more retainer cleaning tips, contact us! We would love to see you and help you take care of your beautiful smile!
