How to Look After Your Retainer When You’ve Completed Orthodontic Treatment

Your retainer plays an important role in maintaining your orthodontic results, so it’s important to look after it.

Whether you have a removable retainer or a fixed retainer, good retainer care can help keep your appliance clean, comfortable and working as it should. A few simple habits can also help you avoid common problems such as damage, loss or changes in fit.

How to Look After Your Retainer

Clean Your Retainer Regularly

Regular cleaning helps prevent the build-up of bacteria and debris on your retainer.

Follow your orthodontist’s instructions for cleaning your particular type of retainer. An ultrasonic cleaning device, such as a dental pod, can also be helpful for maintaining good retainer hygiene without causing unnecessary wear and tear.

Dental pods are available from MP Orthodontics. Speak to our reception team if you’d like more information about whether one is suitable for your retainer.

Store Your Retainer Safely

When you’re not wearing a removable retainer, keep it in its protective case.

Avoid wrapping it in a tissue or leaving it loose on a bench, where it can easily be misplaced or accidentally thrown away.

And keep it away from pets! Dogs, in particular, have a reputation for finding retainers surprisingly appealing.

Keep Your Retainer Cool

Excessive heat can distort some removable retainers.

Avoid cleaning your retainer with hot water and don’t leave it somewhere it could become hot, such as in direct sunlight or inside a hot car.

Look After Bonded Wire Retainers

If you have a bonded wire retainer, maintaining good brushing and flossing around the wire is particularly important.

Food and plaque can collect around the wire, so take care when cleaning around each tooth. Your orthodontic team can show you the best techniques for keeping your fixed retainer clean.

Regular check-ups with your general dentist are also an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene, especially around the bonded wire retainer.

When Should You Replace Your Retainer?

Retainers can eventually wear out and may need to be replaced.

Signs that your removable retainer may need replacing include:

• Cracks or damage
• Distortion or changes in shape
• Deterioration of the material
• A noticeable change in fit

If you have a fixed retainer and the wire becomes loose or detached from one or more teeth, contact your orthodontist for advice.

Even if your retainer appears fine, regular orthodontic reviews can help ensure it continues to fit correctly and provide the support your teeth need.

What If You’ve Lost or Broken Your Retainer?

Retainers can be lost, damaged or accidentally thrown away.

If this happens, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible rather than simply going without your retainer. Your teeth can begin to move when they are no longer being retained, so acting promptly can help minimise unwanted movement.

A replacement retainer may be required, depending on your individual circumstances.

What If Your Retainer Doesn’t Fit Anymore?

If you’ve fallen out of your retainer routine, you may notice your retainer feels tighter or no longer fits properly. This can be a sign that your teeth have started to move.

Don’t force a retainer into place if it no longer fits comfortably. Contact your orthodontist as soon as possible for advice.

The sooner tooth movement is identified, the more options we have to manage it and help you maintain your treatment results.

Make Retainer Care Part of Your Routine

Looking after your retainer doesn’t need to be complicated. Clean it regularly, store it safely, protect it from heat and pay attention to any changes in its fit or condition.

Most importantly, wear your retainer according to your orthodontist’s instructions. Making retainer care part of your daily routine can help protect your smile for the long term.