How to Clean Your Retainer

Retainers are essential for maintaining your teeth’s position after braces are removed. These dental appliances are worn lifelong to prevent the natural shifting of teeth. But irregularly sterilizing your retainer can wreak havoc on your oral health. At Kidz Connextion located in Phoenix, AZ, your dentist provides special attention to braces aftercare. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your retainer clean for an amazing smile.

There are three types of retainers on-the-market: Hawley wire, clear and permanent bonded retainers. Each retainer varies in terms of hygiene care.

Hawley Wire Retainers:

Hawley wire retainers are the standard retainers at Kidz Connextion. Made of hard acrylic or plastic with a metal wire, these retainers are removable and durable. This is why Hawley retainers are the easiest to clean.

The best way to wash your Hawley retainer is under lukewarm water and mild soap. If you notice plaque or debris on the surface of your retainer, don’t be afraid to scrub very gently with a toothbrush or cotton swab.

 

Clear Retainers:

Invisalign and Essix retainers both fall into this category. While clear retainers are also removable, the interior surfaces of the appliance are harder to disinfect. 

Like Hawley retainers, sanitize clear retainers soon as you remove them. When dry, bacteria and debris are harder to unclog on the surface of retainers.

Permanent Bonded Retainers:

These retainers are the hardest to clean because they’re permanently fixed to your teeth. Usually bonded to the back of the molars, these teeth are difficult to floss between the permanent retainer. Your Phoenix, AZ dentist recommends a floss threader to weave between your retainer.

Additional Tips:

Retainers need to be handled gently to preserve for long-term use. This means staying away from any harsh cleaners and rough scrubbing. 

If you want a deeper clean for your retainer or notice bacteria stuck on the surface, bring your device to our office for special cleaning.

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Replacing Your Retainer

Today is the day! Your braces are coming off after all this time. This doesn’t mean that you're done taking care of your teeth though. Your dentist at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces will provide you with your new retainer. It is up to you to take care of it, helping your teeth stay in their new positions. Eventually, like anything used daily, it’ll need a replacement. That’s when you schedule an appointment at our offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area.

Retainer replacement depends entirely upon you and your retainer. Some patients require a replacement after 2-3 years, or maybe every year! It’s important that you replace it right away if it gets damaged. If it’s broken, it won’t keep your teeth in place. It’s actually doing more harm than good.

Here are a few signs that your retainer needs a replacement:
-Changes color
-Fits odd or feels uncomfortable
-Comes apart or wears away at the joints
-Shows signs of a calcium buildup

Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Phoenix, AZ, right away. They can evaluate your retainer and issue a replacement. Without your retainer, your teeth will shift back into their old positions. It will undo all the work your braces accomplished. Wear your retainer every day for the first six months following the removal of your braces. With the permission of your dentist, you can then transition to wearing it at night.

There are a few general guidelines for keeping your retainer in pristine condition. When you are issued your first retainer, it comes with a case. Always keep your retainer in the case when you aren’t wearing it. This keeps it from getting damaged or lost. When you travel, always place it in the case.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces provide quality pediatric dental care. We have three offices spread across the Phoenix, AZ, area. Visit our website to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. Call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th Ave. office, 480-666-5984 for N. 24th St., and 480-405-4714 for E. Baseline Rd.

Caring For Your Retainer

Many orthodontic patients require a retainer at the end of orthodontic treatment.  Removable retainers are an easy step to take to preserve a straight smile. Kidz Connextion provides retainers for patients, and caring for your retainer properly is important so that it functions and lasts as long as possible.  A silly but common mistake people make with their retainers is trying to cut corners -- don’t try to clean or brush your retainer while it’s still in your mouth!  You can’t quickly scrub your retainer while brushing your teeth -- the retainer cannot be completely cleaned of debris this way, and toothpaste can also be abrasive to the plastic of the retainer.  Always remove your retainer before cleaning thoroughly with water and your toothbrush, and use a mild dish or hand soap to help clean off debris, never abrasive toothpaste.

You should clean your retainer daily, and also treat it weekly by soaking.  Soaking helps maintain the cleanliness of the retainer and keep it from drying out.  To soak the retainer, dissolve denture cleaning tablets in water or add a little baking soda to water to make a solution.  Storing your retainer properly is also important for its longevity.  Get in the habit of always using and carrying a case.  Too retainers have disappeared after being folded up in napkins!

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.