If you’ve had braces, you know the excitement and anticipation of getting them off. It’s a huge moment to show off your newly straight, pearly whites and finally eat all the foods that have been off-limits for so long. It’s definitely worth celebrating, but don’t let the excitement crowd out the next phase of your treatment: your retainer.
Dr. Neil and Dr. Diana know a thing or two about retainers and how they keep your teeth straight long after the braces come off. It’s important to keep wearing your retainer as instructed, and just as important to take good care of it. A well-maintained retainer can last for many years.
Why are retainers important?
A retainer is the last and longest part of your orthodontic treatment. Once your braces are off, a retainer keeps the teeth from shifting back. That’s why being diligent about wearing and caring for it matters so much. No one wants to lose the straight teeth you invested so much time, effort and money into. If you’ve already slipped on wear and noticed movement, here’s how to get your smile back.
Depending on your needs, your orthodontist will usually recommend a fixed retainer, a Hawley retainer or an Essix retainer. We’ll get into the details of each in a minute, but whatever kind you have, wear it as often as your orthodontist recommends and keep it immaculately clean.
Why do you need to keep retainers clean?
There’s a reason you’ve been taught to brush and floss every day. Oral hygiene keeps your teeth strong and healthy and holds off bacteria, plaque and tartar buildup. Your retainer needs the same attention, because retainer hygiene is part of oral hygiene. It’s also a lot easier to stay committed to wearing a retainer when it’s clean rather than dingy and smelly.
Types of retainers and how to clean them
Not sure which one you have? Our overview of orthodontic retainers breaks down each option. Here is how to keep all three clean.
Fixed retainers
A fixed retainer is exactly what it sounds like, a retainer that stays fixed onto your teeth. Unlike braces, which attach to each tooth with brackets and wire, a fixed retainer is usually bonded to just a few teeth and bent along the inside of your bite so it stays invisible to others. It helps prevent unwanted tooth movement, but it does not replace nightly removable retainer wear.
Brush thoroughly twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste, taking extra care around the retainer to scrub out stuck food particles and plaque. When flossing, use the floss threader you were given with your braces to thread the floss underneath the wire, then floss as usual.
Hawley retainers
The Hawley retainer has been around a long time and orthodontists still recommend it depending on the case. It’s an acrylic piece made from a scan or impression of your teeth and mouth, and it fits securely against the roof of your mouth or along your bottom teeth.
Caring for one is straightforward. Start with a simple rinse in lukewarm water when you take it out to put it away. Rinsing removes surface saliva that would otherwise dry onto the retainer and make it harder to clean later. Always use lukewarm water, because hot water can warp the acrylic.
After rinsing, grab a toothbrush that you use only for your retainer and scrub with either alcohol-free mouthwash or hand soap. That kills bad bacteria and lifts off any buildup or residue. Rinse well afterward so you do not get soap in your mouth later.
If you notice a white buildup on your Hawley retainer, a soak in a denture solution like Polident or another retainer soak clears it up. The soak breaks up the buildup so you can brush and rinse it away.
Essix retainers
An Essix retainer looks just like an Invisalign aligner, except it comes at the end of treatment and is not meant to move your teeth. It holds them in place while you wear it, and the clear, firm plastic tray is nearly invisible.
Cleaning an Essix retainer is a lot like cleaning a Hawley. Rinse in lukewarm water and scrub with a reserved toothbrush and cleaning solution. Because Essix retainers have deep grooves, scrub well and soak in a retainer solution often to keep buildup down.
Frequently asked questions about retainer care
How often should you clean your retainer?
Rinse it every time you take it out and give it a gentle brush at least once a day. A deeper soak in a retainer or denture solution once or twice a week helps keep buildup down.
Can you use hot water to clean a retainer?
No. Hot water can warp the plastic or acrylic and ruin the fit. Always use lukewarm water to rinse and clean your retainer.
How do you remove white buildup from a retainer?
Soak it in a denture solution like Polident or a dedicated retainer soak, then brush gently and rinse. The soak loosens the buildup so it wipes away.
New England Orthodontic Specialists can help keep you on track
If you’re ready for your own before and after moment, our team is ready to help you get there. From braces and Invisalign to retainers and whatever specialized care you need, you’ll find it here. Schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in the Boston area to get started.