Skip to content

Caring for Your Retainer

Caring for your retainers is key to protecting your new smile. Follow the cleaning, storage, and maintenance tips below to keep them in great shape.

 

A person’s hand holds a clear dental aligner against a blue background, demonstrating orthodontic equipment.

Retainers with Wires

These retainers are removable.  To clean your retainer, brush with toothpaste and occasionally use an effervescent denture cleaner.  Never soak your retainer in hot water, or leave it in the sun or other hot locations (such as the glove compartment of a car).  Remove your retainer when eating, swimming, or playing active sports.  Keep your retainer in the case provided.

Two transparent plastic retainers with metal wires, one blue and one light green, arranged closely on a white background.

Clear Retainers

These retainers are removable.  Brush your retainer with a mild liquid hand soap.  Do not use toothpaste, as this may scratch the surface and weaken your retainer.  Never soak your retainer in hot water, or leave it in the sun or other hot locations (such as the glove compartment of a car).  Remove your retainer when eating, swimming, or playing active sports.  Keep your retainer in the case provided.

Close-up illustration of clear aligners above a row of white teeth and a pink tongue. Suitable for dental health or orthodontic themes.

Fixed Retainers

Brush the area thoroughly.  Use the floss threader to floss the area.  Do not bite into hard objects or foods (such as apples, ice, pens, etc.) with your front teeth.  This can cause the retainer adhesive to loosen.  If the adhesive does come loose, please contact our office.  We anticipate that with good care, lingual retainers can remain intact for well over 5 years.

Close-up illustration of teeth with a lingual retainer attached. Pink tongue and gums visible. No landmarks or historical buildings depicted.

Lost or Broken Retainers

If your retainer is lost, bent, chipped, or loose, it is your responsibility to call us right away.  Without your retainer, your teeth will move quickly.