How Does It Work?
Retainers help maintain your straightened smile by keeping your teeth in their new positions after your orthodontic treatment.
Wearing your retainer as prescribed is crucial to prevent your teeth from shifting back.
Wearing Your Retainer:
For the first few months after treatment, it's important to wear your retainer full-time (around 20-22 hours daily), except when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.
Over time, your dentist will likely recommend transitioning to wearing it only at night, but follow your dentist's guidance for the best results.
How to Clean My Retainer?
Keep your smile sparkling and your retainer clean with these simple tips:
1
Maintain a Sparkling Smile
with Consistent Cleaning
Brush Twice a Day: Form a routine of cleaning your retainers just like your teeth - morning and night during your brushing sessions.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and cold water to clean your retainers without damaging them.
2
Skip the Harsh Stuff
Keep Your Aligners Invisible
Ditch the Abrasives: Avoid mouthwash, toothpaste and bleach. These can damage the retainers, making them cloudy and less discreet.
3
Rinse Away
for Freshness
Rinse Before Storing: Get rid of leftover saliva and plaque by rinsing your retainers whenever you take them out. This prevents bacteria build-up, even when you're on the go. Find a sink or water fountain to rinse before taking them out.
4
Soak for Optimal
Hygiene and Clarity
How to deep clean: Use specialised aligner/retainer cleaning tablets. Follow the product's instructions.
Freedom to Eat, Freedom to Remove: retainers are removable! Take them out whenever you eat or drink to avoid damage or staining. Water is the only exception - sip away while keeping your retainers in. Tea, coffee and red wine can also stain your retainers, so, it's better to avoid them.
I Lost My Retainer! What Do I Do?
Talk to your dentist as soon as possible!
See your dentist as soon as possible and request a new set of retainers, this will prevent any unwanted tooth movement.
If you have any questions or need support, contact your dentist!
