12 Aug 5 Easy tips to keep your retainer fresh!
5 Easy tips to keep your retainer fresh!
1) Clean your retainers daily. This easiest way to do this is to brush them gently with your soft-bristle toothbrush.
2) Deep clean your retainers once a week. Give your retainers a deeper clean at least once a week to break up any plaque or tartar that may have accumulated. You can use a mild dish soap to scrub your retainer or soak it in a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water for 5-10 minutes or use an effervescent tablet like Retainer Brite. Be sure to give your retainer a little scrub after you soak it and rinse thoroughly.
3) Always protect your retainers with a case! Storing your retainers in a case when not in your mouth prevents them from being lost, thrown away, or chewed up by your family pet. Additionally, your case will help keep your retainers clean from household dirt and debris. If you need additional retainer cases, just ask at your next Chaison Ortho appointment. We always keep plenty on hand!
4) Avoid using harsh chemicals and heat when cleaning your retainers. Harsh chemicals can weaken your retainer material, leaving it fragile and brittle. Using heat like boiling water or placing in a dishwasher can melt or distort the retainer material, leading to an improper fit or possibly a ruined appliance.
5) Replace your retainers as needed. Even with the very best care, nothing lasts forever, and your retainers are no different. If you notice bent wires, cracked or broken plastic or yellowing, and discoloration that can’t be removed even after deep cleaning, it may be time to get a replacement retainer. Contact your previous orthodontic provider for assistance replacing your retainers.
With proper care, your retainers should last many years. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your retainers.
