Did you know? Your orthodontic journey doesn’t end once your clear aligner treatment is complete. Wearing your retainer as instructed is an important part of helping maintain the position of your teeth after treatment.
To help you look after your retainer and keep it clean and in good condition, here are 7 simple tips from the Urban Smile team.
1. Wear Your Retainer as Directed
The most important step? Actually wearing it! Your clinical team will give you personalised instructions based on your treatment and retainer type.
Teeth can shift after orthodontic treatment, which is why consistent retainer wear matters. Following your recommended wear schedule helps maintain the position of your teeth after your clear aligner treatment is complete.
2. Clean Your Retainer Daily
Just like your teeth, your retainer needs daily cleaning. Rinse it with lukewarm soapy water after every use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water as it can warp the plastic.
3. Use OrthoBrite Tablets or a Sonic Cleaner for a Deeper Clean
For a deeper clean, you can use OrthoBrite Cleaning Tablets or a sonic cleaner as part of your retainer care routine.
OrthoBrite tablets are simple to use. Just dissolve a tablet in water, soak your retainer for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before wearing it again.
A sonic cleaner is another convenient option. It uses high-frequency vibrations to help remove plaque and buildup from those harder-to-reach areas of your retainer, without the need for scrubbing.
Not sure how to use one? Read our guide to using a sonic cleaner for clear aligners and retainers for everything you need to know.
4. Avoid Harsh Cleaners or Toothpaste
Never use toothpaste or household cleaners like bleach on your retainer. These products are too abrasive and can damage the material, making it cloudy or uncomfortable to wear.
5. Keep Your Retainer in Its Case
If it’s not in your mouth, it should be in its case! Too many retainers end up in the bin, the washing machine, or worse, the dog’s mouth. A sturdy case helps protect your retainer from damage, loss and unwanted trips to the washing machine.
6. Avoid Eating or Drinking with Your Retainer In
Food and sugary drinks can cause build-up and staining on your retainer. Remove your retainer before eating or drinking anything other than water, unless your clinical team has advised otherwise. If you forget, give it a rinse and clean it before putting it back in.
7. Check In Regularly With Your Specialist Orthodontist
Retainers don’t last forever. Over time, they can become worn, damaged or lose their fit, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their condition.
At Urban Smile, we generally recommend a retainer check around every 18 months. We can assess the fit and condition of your retainer and let you know whether it’s time for a replacement.
If your retainer feels loose, becomes damaged or no longer fits as expected, get in touch with our team rather than waiting for your next check.
Need a Replacement Retainer?
Whether you need a new or replacement retainer, OrthoBrite Cleaning Tablets or a Sonic Cleaner, we’ve got your retainer care covered. Visit your nearest Urban Smile studio or book a retainer appointment to get started.
This information is general in nature. Follow the retainer care and wear instructions provided by your orthodontic team, as recommendations may vary depending on your individual treatment and retainer type. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using retainer cleaning products.