Retainer Wear & Care

Nighttime for a Lifetime!

• Wear as directed: Recommended nightly wear while you are sleeping (at least 8 hours). Retainers can also be worn during the day. They must be taken out while eating or drinking anything besides water. Daytime wear is less preferred as they can easily be lost. Consistent wear is essential to prevent teeth from shifting and is the most important part of the retainer process.
• Clean your teeth first: Brush your teeth after eating and before putting your retainer in.

• Rinse: Rinse your retainer with cool water every time you take it out to wash away food particles.
• Brush: Gently brush your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, mild soap, or a dedicated cleaner specifically made for retainers.
• Avoid: Do not use abrasive toothpaste such as whitening toothpaste which can scratch the retainer, or hot water, which can warp the material.
• Soak (optional): For a deeper clean, you can soak your retainer in a cleaning solution such as Retainer Brite or a mixture of water and white vinegar once a week.

• Use a case: Always store your retainer in its protective case when you're not wearing it.
• Avoid napkins: Never wrap your retainer in a napkin, as it can easily be thrown away.
• Protect from heat: Keep your retainer away from heat sources like a hot car, a direct sunny windowsill, or a stovetop, as this can cause it to warp.
• Keep away from pets: Store your retainer in a safe place where pets can't get to it, as they are attracted to the smell and can damage it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I avoid toothpaste?
Toothpastes that are abrasive, such as whitening or charcoal toothpaste, can scratch the surface of your retainer, making it harder to clean and potentially weakening the material over time.

What if my retainer feels tight?
If your retainer feels tight, your teeth may be starting to move during the day. This is usually normal. Wear your retainer for a few extra hours over the next few days to prevent shifting. Once the retainer feels comfortable, return to nightly wear. If the retainer is no longer seated properly, contact the office to have it evaluated.

Can I clean my retainer with mouthwash or denture cleaner?
It is not recommended to use mouthwash for cleaning. Some mouthwashes contain alcohol or other chemicals that can damage the retainer material. Denture cleaners can be abrasive and leave micro-scratches, causing a foggy appearance and making the retainer harder to clean. Use specialized retainer cleaners or mild soap instead.

What should I do if I lose or break my retainer?
Contact us immediately. We can check if your teeth have shifted and order a replacement. Do not attempt to adjust or repair a broken retainer yourself.