Misaligned bites or crooked teeth are some of the most common dental imperfections. Unfortunately, they are a serious concern since they can lead to issues such as excessive tooth wear, difficulty chewing, speech difficulties, low self-esteem, and even periodontal diseases, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Therefore, they pose both cosmetic and medical dental challenges. The good news is that with the assistance of an orthodontist, crooked teeth can be treated. This is usually done using braces. However, once the teeth have been realigned, you may have to start wearing a retainer to keep them that way.
In most cases, retainers are used intermittently. For instance, you can choose to wear them three to five times every week. This may have to go on throughout your life. Unfortunately, like other dental appliances, retainers are subject to wear and tear. However, with proper care, you can keep them looking and working like new for many years. Below is a rundown of some of the tips that you can count on to take good care of your retainer.
Brush Your Teeth Before Wearing The Retainer
This may sound obvious, but some people still ignore it. Unfortunately, wearing a retainer on dirty teeth has the effect of making the retainer get dirty much faster. Besides, it is not good for your overall dental hygiene.
Clean It Regularly
When it comes to hygiene, you should treat your retainer just like your own teeth. In other words, you should clean it regularly. You can do this using your regular toothpaste and toothbrush. Alternatively, you can soak it in a glass of water mixed with a little baking powder. When you are not wearing the retainer, ensure that it is stored in a container with adequate airflow to prevent bacteria and mold breeding.
Avoid Subjecting It To Harsh Conditions
The fact that you have to keep your retainer clean does not mean that you should subject it to harsh cleaning techniques. Toothpaste and baking powder are usually adequate cleaning agents. Avoid using alcohol-based mouthwash or bleach. You should also never put your retainer in boiling water since this might melt the plastic and warp the metal.
Remove It When Tooth Brushing
When brushing your teeth, it is imperative for you to ensure that you remove your retainer and clean them separately. This is because brushing your teeth while wearing the retainer will make you miss large parts of your mouth. Besides, the toothbrush might displace your retainer.
Remove It Before You Eat
If you eat while wearing a retainer, it is quite likely for it to trap plaque and food. As such, it is wise for you to always remove yours before eating. However, you should avoid wrapping your retainer in a tissue paper or napkin because someone might throw them away accidentally. Therefore, you should always carry your retainer case.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that retainers are an integral component of orthodontic care. Indeed, orthodontic treatments do not end with the removal of braces. To keep the teeth looking great after orthodontic treatments, patients have to wear retainers. Although retainers can be used for up to several years, they are susceptible to wear and tear, and therefore you have the responsibility to take good care of yours so that it can serve you for the longest time possible. By taking good care of your retainer, you can keep them looking and working like new.
If you damage or lose your retainers, make sure to contact Maddux Orthodontics as soon as possible to replace them. It is important to consistently wear your retainers and not let too much time go by in between.