Invisalign® retainers offer a way to straighten and align teeth discreetly, boosting your confidence. Taking proper care of them will keep them effective and prevent the need for early replacements. Below are a few tips on how to take care of your retainers.

How to Care for Your Invisalign Retainers

1. Keep Them Clean

Dirty retainers will stain and increase your risks of gum irritation and dental decay, so clean each one every time you brush your teeth. Start by rinsing them under cool or slightly warm water, then use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean each retainer. Rinse them again, and if there's a buildup of plaque or stuck-on particles, soak them in retainer cleaner. Don’t use hot or overly warm water, as it can warp the material.

2. Take Them out When Eating

Eating with your retainers in will cause them to scratch, stain, and warp. It also allows food to accumulate on them, leading to bad odors and a high risk for dental decay. Don’t leave your retainers out for longer than necessary when eating, or it could take longer to correct your teeth. You shouldn’t drink anything besides water while wearing them, either, as this leads to staining and sugary deposits forming around them.

3. Don’t Leave Them in the Open

When you aren’t wearing your retainers, soak them in water, retainer cleaner, or store them in a case. Leaving them in the open when not in use makes it likely that you’ll lose them or a pet or child will grab them. Germs, dirt, and contaminants can also get on them, causing you to get sick or introducing harmful bacteria to your mouth. 

4. Attend Your Followup Appointments

You’ll need more than one set of retainers throughout the straightening process, as each one shifts your teeth a little further into alignment. Your cosmetic dentist will schedule followup appointments to check on your dental progress and give you your next set. If your current retainers begin to fit differently before your next appointment, schedule a visit to your dental office to have them checked.

If you’re ready for Invisalign, you need a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist. The team at Waterford Dental Health in New London County, CT, will determine if Invisalign will be effective for you and discuss what you can expect. With decades of combined experience, they cater to patients with dental anxiety and offer comprehensive services like sedation dentistry, veneers, implants, gum disease therapy, and cleanings. Learn more about the process online, and call (860) 447-2235 to schedule your consultation today.