Orthodontic retainers are an essential part of maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment. These custom-made devices help to hold your teeth in their new, corrected position after you’ve finished wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances. However, retainers can be expensive and delicate, and it’s important to take good care of them to ensure that they last as long as possible.

Here are some tips for protecting your orthodontic retainers:

1. Keep your retainers clean. It’s important to clean your retainers regularly to remove bacteria and food particles that can build up on them. You can clean your retainers by soaking them in denture cleaner or a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the retainer. You should also brush your retainers gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove any remaining debris.
2. Store your retainers properly. When you’re not wearing your retainers, make sure to store them in a safe and secure place. The best place to store your retainers is in their designated case, which should be kept in a dry, cool place. Avoid storing your retainers in a humid environment or in direct sunlight, as these conditions can cause the retainers to warp or become discolored.
3. Avoid eating or drinking with your retainers in. It’s best to remove your retainers when you eat or drink anything other than water. This will help to prevent food particles from getting stuck in the retainers, which can be difficult to remove and can lead to bacteria buildup. If you do accidentally eat or drink with your retainers in, be sure to clean them thoroughly as soon as possible.
4. Handle your retainers carefully. When you’re handling your retainers, be sure to hold them by the edges to avoid bending or breaking them. Avoid playing with your retainers or using them as a toy, as this can lead to damage. If you do drop your retainers, check them for any cracks or breaks before wearing them again.
5. Wear your retainers as prescribed. It’s important to wear your retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist in order to maintain the results of your treatment. If you’re having trouble remembering to wear your retainers, you can try setting a reminder on your phone or keeping them near your toothbrush so you see them in the morning and at night.
6. Replace your retainers as needed. If your retainers become damaged or no longer fit properly, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. Your orthodontist can provide you with new retainers, which will help to ensure that your teeth stay in their corrected position.

It’s also a good idea to have a backup pair of retainers in case something happens to your primary pair. This can be especially useful if you’re traveling and might not have access to your orthodontist right away.

In addition to the above tips, there are a few other things you can do to protect your retainers:

1. Be careful when removing your retainers. When you’re taking your retainers out, be sure to hold onto them firmly to avoid accidentally dropping them. If you do drop your retainers, check them for any cracks or breaks before wearing them again.
2. Avoid exposing your retainers to extreme temperatures. Don’t leave your retainers in a hot car or in direct sunlight, as the heat can cause them to warp or become discolored. Similarly, don’t put your retainers in the freezer or leave them in a cold place for too long, as the cold can cause them to become brittle.

Call us at 407-876-2991 for a free consultation or click here to request an appointment. We have 2 offices to care for our patients. Our Orlando office is in Lake Nona where we also serve St Cloud residents. We are located at 13250 Narcoossee Rd, Suite #100, Orlando, FL 32832. Our Windermere office, where we also serve Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, Metro West and Ocoee, is located at 422 Main St, #2, Windermere, FL 34786.