Congratulations!
You just got your braces off! And while it’s exciting to finally finish the hard part, treatment is still not over. After you take off your braces, your orthodontist will give you a pair of retainers, also known as the retention phase. To preserve your straight smile, you will be advised to wear your retainers by your orthodontists’ instructions. And just like any orthodontic appliance, they will need to be thoroughly cleaned. But don’t worry! At Choice Orthodontics, we have some tips on how you can keep your retainers clean!
Depending on what type of retainer you have, there are different ways to clean them.
- Clear Tray Aligners- Brush out your retainer with lukewarm water and mild soap.You can brush it with toothpaste as well. Make sure to scrub out debris and plaque. For corners and ridges, use a cotton swab.
- Bonded Retainers- These retainers are attached to your teeth, so you must floss them daily to keep them clean. Grab a 6-inch piece of floss and use a floss threader to thread the floss between your two front lower teeth. Simply move it up and down between the teeth to the gum line. Then, slide the floss sideways to the next area.
- Wire Retainers- You can brush with lukewarm water and soap/toothpaste as needed. Also, ask your orthodontist if soaking your retainer in a denture or retainer cleaner is acceptable. If they recommend soaking, mix a cup of lukewarm water with one tablet of cleaner and follow the package instructions.
Keeping your retainer clean is important. If you don’t, your retainer will keep collecting bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your mouth while you wear it. Bacteria are normally found in the mouth, so when there is too much buildup, they can cause infections.
Get Retainers With Us!
Need a set of retainers? Or do you need to start orthodontic treatment? Come see our doctors and staff at Choice Orthodontics! We offer extensive and comprehensive care for all of our patients. Contact us today! We’re happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. We are proud to serve the northwest Missouri community.