Removable Retainer Post-Insertion Instructions

What You Should Do After Receiving Your Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are made of a clear, plastic tray that fits over the top of the teeth. They are typically more comfortable and easier to clean than fixed retainers. They can be removed for eating, brushing, and cleaning, but it is important for the patient to wear them as prescribed by the orthodontist to ensure that the teeth remain in their proper position. It is important to follow these post-visit instructions to ensure a successful removable retainer experience.

If you have not had your removable retainer appointment yet, please read our pre-visit instructions.

Food

• There are no restrictions on the types of foods or drinks you can eat.
• Do not eat food with your removable retainer on.
• You may drink cold drinks with the removable retainer on.

Keeping Your Removable Retainer Clean

• After wearing your removable retainer, you can clean them by rinsing under cold water to remove any debris. You may bbrush them once a day with a soft-bristled denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser.
• If the removable retainer starts to smell, you may immerse them in a solution of vinegar or denture cleanser. We recommend that you clean it using an ultrasonic cleaner, such as the Debatlog Ultrasonic Cleaner in a Polident Daily Denture Cleaner solution.
• Rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth, especially if you used a denture-soaking solution. These solutions can contain harmful chemicals that can cause vomiting, pain or burns if swallowed.

Oral Hygiene

• Brush At Least Twice A Day: Removable retainers make oral hygiene much more easier than fixed retainers. Conventional wisdom says that you should brush at least twice a day; once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Two times a day is a good rule of thumb. But ideally, you should brush right after a meal. This is to maximize the amount of time your teeth stay clean between meals.
• When You Cannot Brush Your Teeth, Rinse With Water Or Mouthwash: It is sometimes not practical to be brushing after every meal. You may be busy at work or at school during your day and cannot find time to brush or floss. If this is the case, at least rinse with water or mouthwash to get as much food debris and taste out of your mouth. One brand that we highly recommend is Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield CPC Mouthwash.
• Consider Upgrading Your Toothbrush: Ensure you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth, as they are gentler on enamel and less likely to cause damage or irritation to gum tissue. One brand of toothbrush that we highly recommend is the Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft Swiss Toothbrush. Also consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush, which can be more effective at removing plaque and bacteria on teeth and gums. One brand of electric toothbrush that we highly recommend is the Philips Sonicare Protectiveclean 6100.
• Floss Daily: Flossing is critical to remove plaque and food particles that may accumulate around teeth and gums. Ideally you should be flossing every time you brush, but once a day is the bare minimum. We recommend GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss. If you have difficulty using regular string floss, consider using dental flossers (such as Sunstar 888JC GUM Advanced Care Flossers) or interdental brushes (GUM Proxabrush) to clean the space between your teeth.
• Buy A Water Flosser: We highly recommend you purchase a Water Flosser and to use it daily in addition to regular flossing; the Water Flosser will flush out debris missed by floss and toothbrush. Ideally you should be water flossing every time you brush, but once a day is the bare minimum. One brand that we highly recommend is the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser 
• Use An All-Encompassing Antibacterial Mouthwash Daily: Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash specially formulated for cavity prevention, gum care and fresh breath daily. Ideally you should be rinsing with mouthwash every time you brush, but once a day is the bare minimum. One brand that we highly recommend is Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield CPC Mouthwash.
• Use An All-Encompassing Toothpaste: Be sure to use a toothpaste that has fluoride to prevent cavities and promote gum health. One brand that we highly recommend is the Colgate Total Advanced Professional Clean Toothpaste.

Have Questions?

• If you have any additional questions or concerns about your removable retainer treatment, please contact us.