Tips for Maintaining your New Clear Plastic Retainer

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Your retainer is an important step in maintaining the new alignment of your teeth after your braces have been removed. If you don’t wear your retainer for the prescribed amount of time, the residual tension in your periodontal ligaments will pull your teeth out of the new alignment.

A clear plastic retainer is a popular option for people who only required a modest amount of adjustment from their braces. They are made from a very durable, clear plastic material that is very similar to the aligner trays used by brands like Clear Correct and Invisalign.

When you are not wearing it, you should keep your clear plastic retainer it in the case that was provided by your orthodontist. It’s a good habit to to simply keep the case with you in a pocket or backpack, rather than improvise by keeping it in a napkin or a plastic bag.

To refresh the retainer you can soak it in a mixture of half water and half antiseptic mouthwash. You can brush your retainer with a soft bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. This will help remove any plaque buildup and keep the retainer fresh.

Make sure you maintain your daily hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing twice per day. If your retainer is damaged, you should call us immediately. Not wearing your retainer increases the chances of you teeth relapsing into their old alignment.

If you have questions about how to clean and maintain your retainer please call us at 269-964-7660 so we can answer your questions or schedule an appointment.