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Retainers are essential for keeping the teeth in their correct positions after orthodontic treatment, whether that treatment involves braces or Invisalign. These custom-made appliances help maintain dental alignment and stop teeth from shifting. However, retainers can only be effective in the long run if they are regularly serviced. An orthodontist in Fullerton, CA, should also perform them.
The Value of Ongoing Retainer Care
After straightening your teeth, a retainer may be recommended to keep them in their new locations. Your teeth might return to their original positions without regular maintenance, undoing your years of orthodontic work and cost. Avoiding this setback requires diligent adherence to retainer care dos.
The Musts of Retainer Upkeep
- Use your Retainer as Directed.
Wearing your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist is one of the most important parts of retainer care. Your dentist or orthodontist may recommend wearing your retainer 24 hours a day for a set amount of time before reducing its use to just at night. If you want your orthodontic work to last, follow these recommendations carefully.
- Maintaining a Clean Retainer is a Must.
When it comes to caring for your retainer, good oral hygiene is essential. Remove plaque, bacteria, and odors from your retainer daily. Brush it carefully with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or a retainer-specific cleanser at least once a day, and rinse it with lukewarm water after every meal. Extreme temperatures and harsh cleaners can damage the retainer’s substance.
- Be Gentle with your Retainer
Avoid breaking your retainer by being careful with it. Use both hands and a little pressure when inserting or removing it. Retainers are fragile and can easily break or distort if handled roughly.
- Perform Frequent Inspections to Detect Any Problems
Look for cracks, holes, or frayed wires in your retainer. Your orthodontist should be contacted as soon as problems are discovered so that they can be assessed and treated as soon as possible.
- Keep up With Your Oral Hygiene
Good dental hygiene, including keeping your retainer clean, is essential. Ensure your teeth and retainer are always clean by frequently brushing and flossing.
- Maintain Future Appointments
Keep all of your orthodontic checkups and adjustments. Regular dental exams ensure your teeth and retainer are healthy and functioning correctly. If changes or replacements are required, your orthodontist can perform them.
- Make Sure You Pack a Retainer Case
Keep your retainer protected in case when you are on the go. This will keep it safe from damage while you are on the road.
- Do not Expose your Retainer to heat or Fire.
Do not leave your retainer in a hot car on a bright day or anywhere it might get direct sunlight. The retainer may lose its shape and function if exposed to high temperatures.
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