You devoted a lot of time and effort to your braces. When it’s finally time for them to come off, your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer to keep your teeth in place. You must take proper care of this oral accessory to ensure it lasts and helps you preserve your new smile. Follow these tips if you are picking up your new retainer soon.

Do:

Clean it regularly.

You transfer bacteria from your hands to your retainer every time you touch it, so you should clean the appliance regularly. Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling the retainer so you don’t introduce bacteria to your mouth. Consider soaking it in an orthodontist-approved cleaning solution for several minutes. When it’s time to store the retainer, clean it after taking it out. You should also cleanse the carrying case thoroughly because trapped moisture can contribute to bacterial growth.

Take it out while eating and brushing.

If you have a clear, plastic retainer that covers your teeth, you likely won't be able to eat while wearing it. However, if you have a wire retainer, you should take it out before meals to avoid accidentally trapping food particles in it. You'll also find it's easier to chew and swallow without it.

Remove it before brushing your teeth, as well. Bulkier parts of a wire retainer can block the toothbrush from reaching certain areas of the mouth and teeth, contributing to cavities.

Don’t:

Expose it to the heat.

Extreme heat will melt a plastic retainer, so keep it away from heat sources. Take it out of your car on a hot day, and never set it down near the stove, fireplace, or an electric heater. Don't wash it using boiling water, and don't put it in the dishwasher. Doing this will warp the plastic, and the retainer will no longer fit correctly.

Leave it unattended.

Always keep your retainer in the provided carrying case. You won’t have to worry about it falling on the ground, getting stepped on, being chewed up by a pet, or losing it. Ask your orthodontist about buying a spare case so you always have a safe spot to put the retainer.

If you're a Covington, KY, resident that's looking for an orthodontist, turn to John M. Schulte, DMD. Dr. Schulte provides comprehensive orthodontic and family dentistry services to patients throughout northern Kentucky. Whether you need to be fitted for a retainer or need treatment for cavities, he and his team can help. They are dedicated to providing a calm and relaxing office environment. Call (859) 331-0763 to schedule a consultation, and visit the website to explore their full scope of services.