Retainer Care
Safeguard your smile! Caring for your retainer keeps your orthodontic results shining for years to come. Oral Hygiene GuideWhy Retainer Care Matters
Your orthodontic care shaped a beautiful, confident smile and retainers help keep those results lasting for years to come.
Safeguard Your Smile Results
Straightening your teeth takes dedication and care. Wearing retainers helps safeguard the time, cost, and hard work that went into achieving your ideal smile.
Maintain Your New Position
Your teeth have a tendency to shift toward their old positions, but retainers keep them steady in their newly corrected alignment.
Stay Proud of Your Smile
Hold on to the confidence of a great-looking smile. Wearing your retainers as directed helps keep your teeth straight and properly aligned.
Daily Retainer Care Routine
Follow these simple steps every day to keep your retainers clean and effective
Morning Routine
- Remove retainer and rinse with lukewarm water
- Brush retainer gently with soft toothbrush and mild soap
- Rinse thoroughly and store in retainer case
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting retainer back in
Do This
- Wear retainer as prescribed by your doctor
- Store in retainer case when not wearing
- Use lukewarm water for cleaning
- Bring retainer to all appointments
- Replace every 1-2 years or as needed
Evening Routine
- Remove retainer before eating dinner
- Clean retainer with denture cleaner or retainer cleaning tablets
- Complete your oral hygiene routine
- Insert clean retainer for overnight wear
Weekly Deep Cleaning
In addition to daily cleaning, give your retainer a deep clean once a week to remove buildup and bacteria.
Denture Cleaner Soak
Soak retainer in denture cleaning solution for 15-20 minutes following package instructions.
Gentle Brushing
Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining buildup or stains.
Thorough Rinse
Rinse completely with lukewarm water to remove all cleaning solution residue.
Pro Tip
For tough stains or odors, soak your retainer in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water for 15 minutes, then brush gently and rinse thoroughly.
Years Lifespan
Daily Retainer Care Routine
Follow these simple steps every day to keep your retainers clean and effective
Retainer Feels Tight
This is normal if you haven't worn it for a while. Wear it consistently and it should feel better within a few days. If severe discomfort persists, contact us.
Retainer is Cracked
Stop wearing immediately and contact our office. A cracked retainer can cut your mouth and won't hold your teeth properly.
Bad Taste or Odor
Increase cleaning frequency and do a deep clean with denture cleaner. Make sure you're storing it properly in a clean, dry case.
Retainer Doesn't Fit
Your teeth may have shifted. Try wearing it more consistently. If it still doesn't fit after 2-3 days, schedule an appointment.
Lost Retainer
Contact us immediately to schedule a replacement. The sooner we start the replacement process, the less your teeth will shift.
White Buildup
This is calcium buildup. Use a denture cleaner soak weekly and brush gently with soft toothbrush. Avoid toothpaste which is too abrasive.
When to Replace Your Retainer
Even with excellent care, retainers need periodic replacement
Regular Replacement
Clear retainers typically last 1-2 years with proper care. Wire retainers can last several years but may need wire adjustments.
- Schedule replacement before problems occur
- We'll remind you when it's time
Lost or Broken Retainers
Contact us immediately if your retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fits properly.
- Call within 24 hours of loss/breakage
- Don't wait - teeth can shift quickly
Need a Replacement Retainer?
Contact our office to schedule an appointment for retainer replacement or repair.