Removable Retainer Post-Insertion Instructions
What You Should Do After Receiving Your Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are custom-made, clear plastic trays designed to keep your teeth in their correct position after orthodontic treatment. Unlike fixed retainers, they can be taken out for eating, brushing, and cleaning, offering greater flexibility and comfort. However, wearing them as prescribed by your orthodontist is crucial for maintaining your smile.
If you haven’t had your retainer appointment yet, check out our pre-visit instructions.
Eating and Drinking
- Foods and Drinks You Can Enjoy: There are no dietary restrictions, but always remove your retainers before eating.
- What to Avoid: Never eat with your retainers in to avoid damaging them.
- Drinking: You may drink cold beverages while wearing your retainers, but avoid hot drinks to prevent warping the plastic.
Keeping Your Removable Retainer Clean
Proper cleaning prevents plaque buildup, odors, and damage. Follow these tips to maintain your retainers:
- Daily Cleaning: Rinse your retainers under cold water after use to remove debris. Brush them daily with a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner.
- Deep Cleaning: If your retainers develop an odor, soak them in a solution of vinegar or a specialized denture cleaner. Using an ultrasonic cleaner, like the Debatlog Ultrasonic Cleaner with Polident Daily Denture Cleaner, is highly effective.
- Safety Precautions: Always rinse thoroughly after using soaking solutions to remove any residue that could cause irritation or harm if ingested.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene with a Removable Retainer
A clean mouth is essential for both oral health and removable retainer care. Here’s how to keep your removable retainer and teeth clean:
- Clean Your Removable Retainer Daily: Use an ultrasonic cleaner with a denture cleaner solution, like Polident, to remove plaque and prevent biofilm buildup on your removable retainer.
- Brush Twice Daily: Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. For better results, brush after meals whenever possible to reduce the chances of plaque buildup between meals.
- Rinse When Brushing Isn’t Possible: If brushing after meals isn’t feasible, rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash, such as Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield CPC Mouthwash, to help remove food particles and freshen your breath.
- Upgrade Your Toothbrush: For gentle but effective cleaning, we recommend using the Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft Swiss Toothbrush. For more thorough cleaning, an electric toothbrush, like the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100, is a great option.
- Floss Daily: Daily flossing removes particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Try GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss or, if traditional flossing is challenging, use dental flossers or interdental brushes such as GUM Proxabrush.
- Consider a Water Flosser: For deeper cleaning, use a Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser. This is a great addition to your routine as it effectively flushes out debris that may be missed by brushing and flossing.
- Choose a Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste, such as Colgate Total Advanced Professional Clean, is recommended for cavity prevention and gum health.
Replacing Your Removable Retainer
The lifespan of your removable retainer depends on the severity of your grinding and clenching. Some people may need a replacement every year, while others may keep theirs for several years. Look out for signs of wear, such as holes or cracks, and contact us when it’s time for a new one.
Have Questions?
If you have further questions or concerns about your removable retainer, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to ensure you get the most out of your retainer and protect your smile effectively.
