Retainers are Life Time, Night Time. Make sure they are Clean!
After getting those teeth nice and straight, we want to make sure that they stay that way. That is why we always give retainers at the end of orthodontic treatment. Your teeth move naturally throughout your life. When you speak, swallow, chew, and bite, these movements can cause your teeth to move. Nothing can fully stop your teeth from moving, but retainers can help!
It would be a great routine to clean your retainers every night before bed time after you brush your teeth.
1) Brush before wearing them each time with a Soft Bristled Toothbrush and Mild Hand Soap. Cleaning the retainers with toothpaste is not recommended as toothpaste contains mild abrasives that can scratch the retainers over time making them foggy and creating plaque traps.
2) Occasionally, you can soak the retainers in a solution specifically designed for them. We recommend Retainer Brite. Be sure to follow the instructions and don't soak the retainers for any longer than recommended time.
3) Lastly, make sure to keep the retainers stored safely in their case whenever they are not in use. This prevents them from being lost, damaged, or chewed up by your hungry canine friends!
Never Use Heat to Clean Retainers
Applying heat to your retainers can damage them. That means no hot water, boiling, microwaving, or putting it through the dishwasher. You may want to be cautious about leaving your retainers in the sun for too long, like in your car during summer.
