Give Your Retainers Some Love

Did you know that orthodontic retainers are your key to keeping your teeth straight? Getting your braces off is very exciting and we are so happy to see you smile with confidence. However, your orthodontic treatment is not technically over. Retention is the last step and will keep your teeth from shifting.

Orthodontic Retainers: Wear Them as Instructed

Simply put, wear your retainers as instructed by Dr. Aimee Skelton. Every patient’s case is unique and some patients will need to wear them differently than others. Teeth naturally shift over time due to things like chewing, growing, and breathing. Retainers serve as guides for where your teeth need to stay. In addition, remember to put your retainers in their case when you are not wearing them. They are easily misplaced, thrown away or lost. Pets also love chewing on retainers! Check out this blog for more reminders.

How to Clean Retainers

As with anything you want to last, it is important to clean and take good care of your orthodontic retainers. We recommend cleaning them at the same time you brush your teeth twice a day. As soon as you remove your retainer, use some mild soap and an old tooth brush to clean the appliance. If you wait too long to clean it, debris and bacteria can harden and attach to the plastic. If you discover hard, white spots forming on your appliance, don’t panic. These calcium deposits build up over time and are easy to remove. Simply soak your appliance with a retainer cleaning tablet or solution. Never boil your retainers or put them in hot water, this will cause them to warp.

Have Questions?

Reach out to us anytime with questions about your orthodontic retainers. If you have any issues, it is best to get them taken care of before your retainers no longer fit. We are here to help!