How to Care for Your Retainer

The Best Care for Your Retainer

Recently got your braces off? Here’s how you can care for your retainer.

Having braces is a huge investment, so when you get them off and receive a retainer, you want to make sure you’re caring for your new smile and the retainer.

Caring for your new smile means brushing twice a day and flossing at least once along with semiannual dental checkups. Caring for your retainer includes:

  1. Take it out before eating so food won’t get trapped inside.
  2. Clean your retainer by rinsing and brushing it then store it in its appropriate case.
  3. Avoid chemicals when cleaning your retainer. Chemicals such as alcohol-based products and bleach ruin retainers and your mouth. Instead, use soft soap and retainer cleaner, or mild vinegar in water. Never boil retainers!
  4. Take retainer out when brushing and flossing.

If you recently got your braces off and got a retainer, make sure to wear it as instructed to along with doing the 4 steps above to provide extra care for your retainer. For any questions or concerns with your retainer, contact Rollins & Petersen Orthodontics today.