Retainers After Braces: Use and Cleaning Guidelines

Bailey Orthodontics has been handcrafting smiles since 1987. We have over 75 years of combined experience and provide our patients with various orthodontic services, including traditional braces and Invisalign. We have two office locations for your convenience. Our Coppell office is at 495 S Denton Tap Road, and our Flower Mound orthodontist office is at 2851 Cross Timbers Rd #113. Dr. Luke Bailey and Dr. Brittany Spruiell ensure patient comfort for a relaxing and effective treatment process, regardless of age. We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.

How to Use Your Retainer

After completing adult orthodontics treatment, you must wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting out of their new positions. The retainer holds your teeth in place, preserving your beautiful new smile.

Generally, you should wear your retainer 22 hours a day for the first 4-6 months. You should remove the retainer when eating, brushing, and flossing. Several months after adult orthodontics treatment, our doctors may release you to wear your retainer only at night.

Ensure you wash your hands before putting your retainer in place. Line up the retainer and gently push it over your front teeth. Apply gentle pressure with your fingertips over your molars to move the retainer in place. Your retainer should feel snug but not painful.

How to Clean Your Retainer

Keeping your retainer clean is essential for your oral health. Retainers can harbor bacteria, so cleaning them keeps your teeth and gums healthy and your breath fresh. Follow these steps to keep your retainer clean.

Rinse with Lukewarm Water

We recommend rinsing your retainer with lukewarm water immediately after removing it in the morning. This rinse can help flush bacteria and prepare your retainer for further cleaning.

Brush Your Retainer

Use a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your retainer on all sides. Use gentle strokes, and be careful not to break your retainer or cause damage. Rinse it thoroughly.

Soak in a Cleaning Solution

We recommend soaking your retainer in an approved cleaning solution once or twice weekly. Do not use mouthwash or cleaners that contain alcohol, as they can damage the plastic.

Rinse Your Retainer

You should always rinse your retainer before putting it back in your mouth. Rinsing keeps it clean and prepares the retainer for being placed on your teeth.

What to Avoid

Dr. Bailey and Dr. Spruiell will instruct you on how to care for your retainer. The following offers information on what to avoid when caring for your retainer.

• Do not use hot water to avoid warping the retainer.
• Never use harsh chemical cleaners, including bleach.
• Do not skip daily cleanings.
• Do not store your retainer outside of its case.
• Do not store your retainer wet.

Proper Retainer Care Protects Your Smile

You have worn braces for months, but the work is not over. Wearing a retainer is a minor inconvenience that protects your beautiful new smile. Our Flower Mound orthodontist wants you to understand the importance of properly cleaning and wearing your retainer. Your oral hygiene is important to us. Schedule an appointment today at our Coppell office at 495 S Denton Tap Rd. or our Flower Mound office at 2851 Cross Timbers Rd. #113. We are here to help you achieve a beautiful smile!