The 4 Golden Principals of Retainer Wear: A Complete Guide

It’s an exhilarating day when you complete your teeth straightening journey and have your braces or Invisalign aligners come off. Congratulations on your new smile! However, achieving your orthodontic treatment is only part of the treatment road. After the difficult part is finished, you’ll need to put in some work to maintain your teeth in their newly aligned positions.

Upon completing your orthodontic treatment, Global Smiles Orthodontics will provide a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back. If you’ve recently finished your orthodontic treatment in Columbus, Ohio, be sure to speak with Dr. Edgar Mendieta about getting a retainer.

Top instructions for wearing a retainer

So, why wear a retainer? Well, teeth have a good memory. Immediately after treatment, your teeth will start moving to their old positions. Without wearing a retainer, you might have to start treatment again! Would you want that? We bet not. Wear a retainer and follow the following instructions. 

1. Wear your aligners around the clock for the first six months.
   Wear your aligners full-time for the first six months. Bone regrowth around your newly positioned teeth takes roughly six months. We recommend wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours daily for six months after finalizing your treatment. Like clear aligners, only remove your retainer when eating or brushing your teeth.
   
   After six months, you should wear your aligners every night for the rest of your life. Don’t worry about wearing a retainer every night; they are custom-fitted to fit over your teeth snugly. When sleeping, you’ll barely notice their presence. 
   
   
2. Keep your retainer safe when not in use.
   Not storing your retainer in its case can lead to various mishaps. Your retainer can get misplaced, your dog can chew it up, it can fall on the ground and chip, and the list goes on and on.
   
   If your retainer isn’t in your mouth, ensure it’s in your case. Follow this advice to avoid needing a replacement retainer shortly.
   
   
3. Keep them clean.
   Similar to your Invisalign aligners, ensure your retainer stays clean to prevent staining or bacterial buildup. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, cold water, and hand soap to clean your retainer daily. Refrain from using toothpaste since some have abrasive substances that can damage your retainers over time. Also, don’t wash your retainer with hot water, as this can warp the plastic. Proper maintenance keeps your retainer looking healthy. Retainer replacement is costly, so extend its lifespan as much as possible with proper maintenance.
   
   
4. Bring your retainer during your routine appointments.
   Remember to bring your retainer to every office visit. We always check its fit to ensure it’s doing its job as expected. Your retainer can lose its grip over time, so it needs to be adjusted to maintain its snuggle fit. 
   
   Additionally, it is crucial to bring your retainer when you undergo dental work. Before you leave the office, your dentist should check that your retainer still fits after you get a crown or filling.

Learn more about retainers today!

Whether you’re interested in getting a retainer or want to learn more about them, Global Smiles Orthodontics is your go-to office for all your orthodontic needs—call (614) 230-0374 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mendieta and his team.

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