Retainers are strong, reliable orthodontic appliances that can help keep your teeth in their positions after you’ve completed orthodontic treatment. However, that’s only the case if you take good care of your appliance. So, to help you keep your retainer in tip-top shape, our Quality Orthodontic Care orthodontic team has some guidelines for you.
Step No. 1: Store your retainer in a safe place – If you keep your appliance in a safe and secure place, there is a smaller chance of losing it. This is why it’s best to put your retainer in its case as soon as you take it out of your mouth. Next, keep the case safe by putting it in a place you’ll remember, like your purse, pocket, or bathroom drawer. If you put it in your pocket, make sure you refrain from sitting on it.
Step No. 2: Keep your retainer clean – It’s important to wash your retainer every day so the plaque and bacteria will stay at bay. To properly clean the appliance, you can soak it in denture cleaner, like Efferdent and Polident, for the recommended amount of time listed on the cleaner label. When doing so, make sure you soak it in warm water (never hot water) and you also rinse it off before putting it back over your teeth.
If you follow these steps and do your best to take good care of your retainer in Alpharetta, Georgia, you’ll be on your way toward the clean and safe appliance you need. For more tips, details, and information, please don’t hesitate to give our office a call at 770-901-2433. The sooner you call us, the sooner Dr. John Fleming and our orthodontic team will be able to help you. We look forward to hearing from you!