How to Keep Your Retainers Safe

You did it! After months or even years of wearing braces, your teeth are finally straight and your smile is beautiful. But before you can fully enjoy your new smile, there is one more thing you need to do: wear your retainers. Retainers are essential for keeping your teeth in their new position and maintaining your straight, healthy smile for years to come.

But wearing your retainers is only part of the equation. You also need to protect them when they’re out of your mouth. After all, the world is full of hazards that can damage or destroy your retainers, from curious pets to mischievous siblings. Here are some tips to help you keep your retainers safe from Dr. Gray Grieve at Dr. W. Gray Grieve Orthodontics.

Essential Tips for Retainer Care

Keep your retainers in their case when you’re not wearing them. Your orthodontist provided a case for a reason: to protect your retainers from damage and keep them clean. Always keep your retainers in their case when you’re not wearing them, and make sure the case is easy to spot so you don’t lose it.

Never wrap your retainers in a napkin. It’s too easy to forget about your retainers when they’re wrapped up in a napkin, and you could accidentally throw them away. Always keep them in their case or in your mouth.

Don’t boil your retainers to sterilize them. Retainers are made of plastic, and boiling them can distort the plastic and ruin your retainers. Instead, clean your retainers with a gentle cleanser and a soft brush.

Remove your retainers before swimming. Retainers can easily get lost in the water, and chlorine can damage the plastic. Always take your retainers out before swimming, and keep them in their case.

By following these tips, you can keep your retainers safe and your smile beautiful for years to come. If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, don’t hesitate to contact our office.