If you want to maintain a straight and beautiful smile for a lifetime, it’s best that you wear your retainer on a regular basis. Retainers are reliable appliances that can keep your teeth in the best and straightest condition possible. This is beneficial because your teeth constantly move each day, even if you don’t realize it. So, if you want to keep your smile in tip-top shape, it’s best to keep your retainer in tip-top shape, and our Derby Family Dentistry team recommends doing so by doing the following things:
Properly store your retainer
It can be very easy to lose your retainer, which is why we recommend properly storing your retainer on a regular basis. So, once you take your retainer out of your mouth, please place it in its container and store it in a safe place, like your backpack, pocket, or purse. Please keep your retainer away from hot temperatures because the heat can make the appliance warp out of shape.
Clean your retainer
It’s very important to clean your retainer as often as possible. Keeping it clean will keep the bacteria and plaque away from the appliance and away from your smile. The best way to clean your retainer is to soak it in a glass of denture cleaner and warm—not hot—water. Soak it in the liquid for the recommended amount of time and make sure to rinse it off before you place it in your mouth. It’s best to clean your retainer every day, but if that’s not possible, try to clean it at least once a week.
Call 316-788-4000 now if you have any questions or if you’re interested in learning more about retainer care in Derby, Kansas. Dr. Frederick Stark and Brad Norden and our orthodontic team are here to assist you in any way we can, but we can only help you if you call our office. We also encourage you to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist if you have any concerns. We look forward to talking with you!