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Retainer Care

Retainers are often utilized after removing orthodontic braces to help in reducing teeth movement after treatment. They typically are a clear plastic material or the traditional acrylic and wire Hawley retainer.  Both retainers are effective if worn according to directions but, because they are removable, they may be easy to misplace.  Here are some tips for keeping them clean and safe from misplacement.

      1. Keep the retainer case near for easy storage when the retainers are not  
          being used.  If you wear retainers only at night, try keeping the case in
          the bathroom or near your bed.  If you wear retainers all the time except
          for when eating or brushing your teeth, carry your retainer case for easy
          storage of the retainers.

      2. Do not wrap the retainers in a tissue or napkin.  They may be thrown
          away if wrapped up as such.

      3. Do not put them in your pocket as they could be easily broken

      4. Keep retainers from direct sunlight as the heat may warp the retainer

      5. To clean retainers, brush with a toothbrush (a separate one than the one
          used on your teeth) and a small amount of toothpaste.  Denture cleaners
          or cleaners specifically designed for retainers can also be used. Do not
          put in boiling water as the high heat may warp the retainer as well.


Source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Popular-Topics/Orthodontics/article/Wearing-and-Caring-for-Your-Retainer.cvsp


R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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