Caring for Your Retainer: 5 Helpful Tips | Rancho Cucamonga CA Orthodontist

We understand how easy it can be to forget about your retainer. Once you get used to having one, it can become second nature to regularly care for it. For those who are new to retainers, however, it can be tricky to remember to take care of your new appliance. We’ve assembled a list of five tips to help you get started in the right direction.

1. Keep It In, Unless…

Your retainer should be worn for the entire day. Without it, your orthodontic treatment results will suffer. There are only a few exceptions to this rule. Do take out your retainer while you eat, clean it, during sports, and as directed by your dentist and our doctor. Otherwise, keep it in!

2. Use Your Case

Your retainer will come with a case to store it in. When it’s out of your mouth, use the case. We’ve heard many horror stories of patients putting their retainer in a napkin while they eat, only to throw it away by mistake. A replacement retainer can be costly, so treat yours with care.

3. Clean it Regularly

Your retainer needs to be kept clean. Like your teeth, plaque and bacteria can build up on it, which can be harmful to your teeth. We recommend cleaning your retainer every time you brush. Rinse your retainer with water, then use toothpaste and your toothbrush to give a gentle scrubbing. Rinse it off a final time before putting it back in your mouth.

4. Be Careful of Sports

Contact sports pose a risk of damaging your retainer. Even non-contact sports may cause you to experience some degree of facial trauma. While playing sports, your retainer should be removed and placed in its protective case. Ask about a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth during these activities.

5. Visit Us

While receiving orthodontic treatment, we will schedule a series of appointments with you to measure your progress. These visits are important for ensuring your results are maintained. They allow our team to make sure your retainer continues to fit properly, as well.

It may take some time to become comfortable with caring for your retainer. Follow our guide to stay on track. Keeping your retainer clean is just as important as keeping your teeth clean. Don’t forget to remove your retainer while eating, and always use the case to store it when it is not in your mouth.

For more retainer care tips or to schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our orthodontist in Rancho Cucamonga.

Sweet Tooth Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry

Phone: 9099897222

Url: https://www.lovesweettooth.com/

6331 Haven Ave Suite 12

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737

Rancho Cucamonga Kids Dentist

Sweet Tooth has always had the very highest of standards when it comes to your child's health and that hasn’t changed. Every time you and your child visit our office, our primary goal is to ensure your health and your safety.

We continue to maintain and uphold the requirements set forth by the CDC, OSHA, and the ADA in regards to sanitation and infection control, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all.

Orthodontist in Rancho Cucamonga

I absolutely love sweet tooth! Both of my boys have been coming here for a few years now. Every time we come it’s always an amazing experience. Dr Brown is the best. She always makes sure to listen to any concerns or questions that I have and takes her time to fully explain everything to me. Would definitely recommend Sweet Tooth for your family!

-Amanda A

It’s hard to make going to the dentist memorable, but they can here… From Dr Brown to all the staff and office staff, they are incredible. Our kids ask specifically to go to the dentist because they like it there so much. Could not possibly recommend them more to anyone with kids!!

-Ken F.