You just got your retainer, now what? Like your braces, retainers live in your mouth along with plaque, bacteria and remnants of food particles, which is why it is vital that you clean them. However, there are a few do’s and don’t to taking care of your retainer.
Cleaning your retainer
Do: Brush removable retainers with cold water and a soft toothbrush. If needed, removable retainers can be soaked in white vinegar or Efferdent (a denture cleaning solution) with water to freshen and kill germs.
Don’t: Do not microwave or boil your removable retainers; plastic can warp. Do not place your retainer near a heat source as heat will cause the retainer to distort.
Storing your retainer
Do: Keep your retainers in the case provided when they are not in your mouth.
Don’t: Don’t wrap your retainers in a napkin, paper towel or tissue. Don’t ever put your retainers in your pockets. Whatever you do, do not leave your retainers sitting around; dogs love to eat them.
Wearing your retainer:
Do: When putting the retainers in your mouth, line them up and press the retainers into place with your fingers.
Don’t: Never bite your retainers into place.
Eating with your retainer:
Do: Unless you have a bonded lingual retainer, you should always take out your retainers to eat and drink.
Don’t: Do not attempt to eat or drink with your removable retainer as it can cause unnecessary damage.
Broke or lost retainer:
Do: ALWAYS keep your retainer in the case provided; this will prevent you from losing your retainer.
Don’t: Do not flip or play with your retainer. Flipping your retainers around in your mouth can be fun, but it can cause the wires to bend which can lead to a broken retainer.