A retainer is an indispensable tool for straightening your teeth and improving your smile. But it's important to follow your dentist's recommendations and wear your retainer properly; this way, you will enjoy the most benefit from this helpful device. Here are some dos and don'ts to help ensure you wear your retainer correctly.

Do:

Remove it when eating.

If you keep a retainer in when eating, hard or crunchy foods can easily damage it, and stubborn food particles will almost certainly stick to it and be difficult to remove. On top of that, eating with a retainer in is usually not the most comfortable experience. Always remove your retainer before meals and snacks. Afterwards, brush your teeth before putting it back in.

Give it a deep clean every week.

When you take your retainer out of its storage container in the mornings, a good rinse in cold water will help remove debris and bacteria. But a weekly deep cleaning will offer a more comprehensive cleansing and get into areas that a quick rinse can miss. Choose one night a week to give your retainers an overnight soak. Use a retainer cleaner as suggested by your dentist; an antibacterial denture solution; or a mixture of baking soda and water.

Don't:

Put it anywhere other than your mouth or in its container.

It can be all too easy to put your retainer in your pocket in a hurried moment or to place it on the nightstand before bed. But you want to be sure to take the time to put it in its container. The container keeps it safe and prevents it from becoming dirty and dried out.

Forget to wear it.

Your dentist will tell you when and how often the retainer should be worn. Heed this advice. Skipping a day or night might seem like no big deal, but it can actually cause the teeth to shift a bit and make the retainer's corrective work harder. So, wear as prescribed, and you'll soon have an even, bright smile that will make your retainer a thing of the past.

People of all ages can enjoy the teeth straightening benefits of a retainer. The dentists at North Chautauqua Dental are here to help you find the best option. Since 1980, they have been serving the Dunkirk, NY, area. They provide comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry services, including retainers, teeth cleaning and whitening, and crowns and bridges. Call (716) 366-6822 to make an appointment or visit them online to explore their services in more detail.