Taking Care of Your Retainer

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!