{"id":172,"date":"2024-12-11T16:08:33","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T16:08:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplyorthohopkinton.com\/blog\/?p=172"},"modified":"2024-12-11T16:08:34","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T16:08:34","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-caring-for-your-retainer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplyorthohopkinton.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-caring-for-your-retainer\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Caring For Your Retainer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Closeup<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Sure, braces can guide your once misaligned teeth into straighter, healthier, more aesthetically pleasing positions, but your retainer<\/a> is what will keep them there in the short and long term. That\u2019s why making a lifetime commitment to wearing them regularly is so important! Here\u2019s how to care for them so they stay in tip-top shape throughout the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#1. Take It Out When You Eat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although you may be tempted to keep them in, you must always remove your retainer before your meal. Leaving them in can warp their shape or result in compromising chips and cracks. So, make sure to carefully remove them and rinse them with lukewarm (not hot!) water before storing them away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2. Store It Properly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During your meals or oral hygiene routine, do not leave your retainer out in the open on a table or your counter. This increases their chances of collecting bacteria, not to mention the higher risk of them accidentally going tumbling to the floor. Therefore, keep them in a sturdy, designated case when not in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3. Clean It Daily<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It won\u2019t take long for your retainer to come in contact with food particles, plaque, and other debris, which is why cleaning it daily is so important. To do so, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean each surface before rinsing it with clean, running water. Since toothpaste can be a bit abrasive, it\u2019s generally best to stick to plain, lukewarm water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Retainers are made of strong, durable, and high-quality materials. With that being said, harsh chemicals can easily warp their shape, which is why avoiding them is of the utmost importance. When cleaning your retainer, never use mouthwash, bleach, or even boiling water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#5. Get It Repaired As Needed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite your best efforts, your retainer may sustain some damage in the years following your time with braces. Instead of leaving it as is, talk to your orthodontist about getting it repaired or replaced. After all, depending on the extent of the damage, your oral health could suffer. Plus, any compromises to the shape can potentially render your retainer ineffective. In short, don\u2019t neglect any damage to your retainer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With proper care, your retainer can last for decades! As a result, you\u2019ll be able to enjoy your straight, healthy, beautiful smile both now and years from now. Just make sure to keep the above tips in mind to preserve it indefinitely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Leading our team at Simply Orthodontics<\/a> are Dr. Jaime Moon and Dr. Sam Alkhoury. Together, they have helped countless patients achieve and maintain their perfectly straight smiles. Plus, if you accidentally break or misplace your retainer, they can provide you with a new one! To learn more about caring for your retainers or to schedule an appointment, visit our website<\/a> or call (508) 435-1200<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sure, braces can guide your once misaligned teeth into straighter, healthier, more aesthetically pleasing positions, but your retainer is what will keep them there in the short and long term. That\u2019s why making a lifetime commitment to wearing them regularly is so important! Here\u2019s how to care for them so they stay in tip-top shape […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-172","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Ultimate Guide to Caring For Your Retainer<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Your retainer is crucial to keeping your straight teeth perfectly in position throughout the years. 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