When you first get your retainer, it might be a foreign concept to keep something extra with you all the time and keep it in your mouth almost 24 hours a day at first. You are used to constantly checking your pockets for your keys, wallet, and phone, but now you have another item possibly, your retainer case!

So how do you go about caring for your retainer correctly? How can you be sure to not lose or damage it? Your dentist may have told you that your retainer is an expensive piece of equipment, so it is best to care for it properly.

The Different Types of Retainers

There are two main types of retainers. The first one is the one you are most familiar with. You put it in your mouth, and you take it out when you need to eat, then you slap it right back in! This type of retainer is referred to as a removable retainer. It requires that you keep good track of it, clean it properly, and never eat while it is in.

The second type of retainer is the permanent retainer. This retainer is usually installed permanently behind your teeth to keep them straight. You can eat with it and you can’t remove it.

Retainer Advice

Here are some basic tips for caring for your removable retainer, as the list is a little longer when compared to a permanent one.

• Always carry your retainer case
• Do not put your retainer in your pocket or purse, you don’t want it to be damaged
• Never wrap your retainer in a napkin. We know it is easy to do while you are eating so you don’t have to look at it, but your case can accomplish the same thing and there is a far lower chance that you forget about it and mistake it for trash and throw it away.
• Keep your retainer clean. Never soak it overnight with mouthwash, though, or it could become discolored!

We hope these simple tips help you with your retainer care. If you have any more questions feel free to give us a call today!

Now less common than they once were, amalgam material used for dental fillings are still used, except now they are at the center of a swirling controversy. Many aren’t keen on the metal appearance they give their teeth, but still prove to be a great option for those on a budget. At Town Square Dental in Pasadena, TX, we still offer amalgam fillings for those that need them, but let’s discuss what they are and if they’re safe for you and your family.

What is Silver Amalgam (Silver Tooth Fillings)?

To this day, it is estimated that silver amalgam fillings are still placed in the mouths of 1 billion people annually. Thanks to its usual low cost, its ease in working with, its effectiveness in covering dental tooth decay, and its accessibility, silver amalgam is still preferred by many. The silver amalgam itself is composed of a mix of metals that include mercury, silver, and tin.

Why Are Silver Tooth Fillings Causing Controversy?

The question posed above is an interesting one. You would expect a material used by so many dentists for so long would be a sure and safe choice. However, the controversy surrounding silver amalgam fillings has to do with the mercury found in them. This particular substance is actually what gives the material its easy application, but it has been linked to causing headaches, tremors, emotional changes, and muscle

Replace Your Fillings

The truth of the matter is, is that the health risks associated with dental amalgam fillings are inconclusive. There is no solid evidence that they cause health problems, so what you do with you and your fillings is up to you and your dentist. Be sure to have a long conversation about your options to make the best possible decision for your circumstances. Contact us today to make your first appointment!